New playground at Brickpit Park, Thornleigh, a smash hit with children

Whether they’re sprinting down a Ninja Warrior course or splish-splashing in the water zone, children in Sydney’s northwest are spoilt for choice with a new playground this summer.

Hornsby Mayor Warren Waddell (middle), with councillors Janelle McIntosh (left) and Monika Ball (right), at the park’s opening. Picture: Tileah Dobson

Whether they’re sprinting down a Ninja Warrior course or splish-splashing in the water zone, children in Sydney’s northwest are spoilt for choice this summer.

Once the site of a brick manufacturing company from 1901 to 1975 before becoming a landfill facility, what is now Brickpit Park has a brand new playground.
While the Thornleigh park’s playground has retained the community’s beloved flying fox, it otherwise has a whole new look thanks to the additions of a trampoline, a conveyor belt for children with mobility issues, climbing towers, swings and a slide.

But one of the stars of the show is the new Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course, completed with a solar-powered stopwatch so you can keep track of your time.

Another feature that proved to be a big hit with the first kids to test it out was the junior water splash zone.

Beth O’Neill, 8, had a go at the new Ninja Warrior feature at Brickpit Park …

… and ran the course in one minute. Picture: Tileah Dobson

It left local dad Marcus Barrett blown away when he checked it out with his daughter on Wednesday.

“I was amazed to find the little water feature,” the 37-year-old told this masthead.

“I wish it was a little bigger, but that’s because I’m from Queensland and I’m used to a lot more robust water features.

“I’m glad the zip line stayed because (my daughter) loves that.”

Even the author loves the community favourite flying fox.

The park also quickly became a family favourite for the family of Lisa Johnstone, a mother of two boys under five.

“We’ll definitely come back here again with all our friends, that’s for sure,” Mrs Johnstone, 39, said.

“The park seems like it has a big mix of ages too, because my youngest sons can play with the smaller equipment.

“My oldest son can go crazy on their ninja course and I’m happy that it’s fenced, because a lot of playgrounds are not and to see that makes me relax a bit.

Lisa Johnstone and her two sons, Ben and Jack, enjoy the new water splash zone. Picture: Tileah Dobson

“I can see us coming here a lot, especially over the summer.”

Hornsby Shire Council mayor Warren Waddell said the park was definitely worth the long wait.

“I won’t lie to you, these projects take a lot of time but I’m particularly pleased that it has such a wide range of utility on site,” he said.

“The water play in particular will be very much appreciated when it’s those hot late 30s days.

“I encourage the shire residents and beyond to come here and enjoy the facility.”