Community consultation is underway for a proposed upgrade of the Rushcutters Bay Park playground in Darling Point, with residents invited to review a draft design and provide feedback before plans are finalised.
The consultation period allows the community to comment on a concept plan for the Darling Point playground, with feedback open until 11:59 p.m. on Monday 23 March 2026.
Consultation Helps Shape Playground Upgrade
Community engagement carried out between late 2024 and early 2025 helped inform the draft concept design for the Rushcutters Bay Park playground.
Feedback was gathered through an online survey, email submissions, an ideas board and drawings submitted by children. Responses highlighted requests for additional shade, more climbing structures and equipment suitable for older children.
Participants also suggested more swings and slides, improved seating and the inclusion of water play features.
Visitors said they valued the playground’s harbour-side setting, fenced layout and proximity to nearby facilities.
Background Of The Darling Point Playground
The fenced playground at Rushcutters Bay Park was last upgraded in 2008 and has been identified for renewal under the Woollahra Play Space Strategy.
The existing space includes swings with toddler and child seats, a gyro spinner, a see-saw, a cubby house climbing structure with a slide, obstacle ropes and ocean-themed sandstone features. The playground also includes seating, bins, a bubbler and rubber softfall surfacing.
Proposed Features For The Rushcutters Bay Park Playground
The draft design introduces several new play elements intended for different age groups.
A nature-inspired “rushes” tower with a two-metre slide and climbing net is proposed for older children. A cubby play tower with a one-metre slide is planned for younger users.
Other proposed additions include an in-ground accessible trampoline and a three-bay swing set featuring toddler swings, a bird-nest swing and a strap swing.
The design also includes a stream-style water play area with sandstone fish, native vegetation gardens and nature-themed artworks inspired by coastal rushes.
Two inclusive picnic settings and additional shade structures are proposed. The plan also includes a more accessible entry, an access path and two accessible parking spaces linked to the playground.
Several existing playground elements are expected to remain and be relocated within the site, including the multi-rocker, the bubbler, the boat play structure and sandstone artworks.
Community Sessions And Feedback Period
Residents were invited to attend community pop-up sessions at Rushcutters Bay Park playground on Thursday 5 March and Saturday 7 March from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Online submissions remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Monday 23 March 2026.
Next Steps
Feedback collected during the consultation will help shape the final playground design.
The confirmed plan is expected to be released in mid-2026. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027 and is expected to take approximately 16 weeks.
The playground will be closed during construction and is expected to reopen in autumn 2027.
Published 6-Mar-2026
