Police investigating after Oonoonba park playground destroyed by fire

A police investigation is underway after a popular community playground was destroyed by a fire on Tuesday night. Read the details.

A popular community playground which was only upgraded four years ago has been completely destroyed by a raging fire which police have deemed suspicious.

A large fire engulfed Oonoonba Park on the corner of Shannon street and McAlister street on Tuesday night, completely melting the equipment leaving only the metal poles standing.

A spokeswoman for Queensland Fire Services said one crew arrived at the park at 7:30pm on Tuesday night and had the fire extinguished in five minutes.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman said officers are currently investigating the incident, but no one has been charged.

Fire at Oonoonba Park Playground. Picture: Evan Morgan

Councillor Brady Ellis said he was “absolutely disgusted” that there were people in the community who take pleasure in senseless destruction such as this.

“Oonoonba is a beautiful community of young families and grandparents who use this playground and to have that taken away from them is disgraceful,” he said.

“This is money that should be spent on making our city better, not replacing senseless damage.

“I’ve spoken with council staff this morning and expressed my desire to get this playground up and running again for our community as soon as practically possible.”

Oonoonba Park was upgraded in 2021 with improvements made to the kids playground equipment, undercover and picnic area and exercises equipment.

Originally published as Police investigating after Oonoonba park playground destroyed by fire