Pigeons have forced a Townsville hospital playground to remain closed

The playground at Townsville University Hospital has been closed for months due to an “infestation of pigeons” outside the children’s ward with no reopening date in sight.

The playground has remained closed since late 2024.

An “infestation of pigeons” is the reason the playground at Townsville University Hospital has been closed for months on end, a spokesman for the hospital says.

The playground, located near the children’s ward at TUH, closed in late 2024 for seemingly no reason.

After questions from the Townsville Bulletin, Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes revealed the decision to close the playground was in the best interest of the children’s safety.

“The children’s ward playground was closed late last year due to health concerns relating to an infestation of pigeons,” he said.

“Townsville Hospital and Health Service is currently investigating several mitigation strategies.”

Townsville University Hospital: Picture: Evan Morgan

Pigeons are known carriers of diseases including psittacosis, also known as ornithosis, and avian paramyxovirus.

The hospital did not reveal when the playground was set to reopen.

The playground opened in 2019 and was partly funded by Brighter Lives, the hospital’s charity partner, as part of an $8 million children’s ward redevelopment.

“Brighter Lives provided $1.2 million to the Townsville University Hospital as part of the Children’s Ward redevelopment,” Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said.

“Closure of any spaces are a matter for the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.

“Brighter Lives has not received feedback from parents regarding the playground.”

Despite the playground being closed, Mr Keyes said there was no shortage of entertainment available for the children.

“The children’s ward is well equipped with a wide range of toys, books, and interactive electronic games and consoles for young patients to enjoy,” he said.

At the time of its opening Townsville Hospital Foundation chair Associate Professor Anthony Leicht paid tribute to the North Queensland community’s response to supporting the fundraising for the new children’s ward.

“For our community to raise $1.2 million to support this brilliant new ward is simply extraordinary,” he said.

“This playground represents the final cherry on top of the project, and we are absolutely delighted by the feedback from the staff and families.”

Originally published as Pigeons have forced a Townsville hospital playground to remain closed