Hornsby Shire Council’s Fagan Park Children’s Forest has been awarded the 2025 Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) National Award of Excellence for Playspace under $500,000.
The prestigious award celebrates innovation, community impact, and the creation of play spaces that foster childhood development, while promoting vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities.
Delivered in collaboration with Fiona Robbbé of Fiona Robbbé Landscape Architects, the Fagan Park Children’s Forest was commended for its nature-based, educational design and its strong alignment with Council’s Urban Forest Strategy and Play Plan. Designed in close consultation with local schools, the space provides an immersive environment where children can connect with nature and learn about the value of trees.
This latest accolade follows a series of recognitions for the multi-award-winning project, including:
- NSW PLA Award for Playspace under $500,000 earlier this year;
- AILA Landscape Architecture Award;
- Kidsafe Australia National Playspace Design Award.
The Fagan Park Children’s Forest is the first park in NSW designed specifically to nurture children’s relationship with the natural world. It features:
- Educational discovery pods;
- Timber animal interactions;
- Outdoor learning space and Yarning Circle;
- A pond with stepping stones;
- Grassed picnic areas and accessible pathways.
Mayor, Warren Waddell said the innovative playspace serves as an educational model showcasing the importance of trees and biodiversity.
“Hornsby Shire is proud to lead the way in creating spaces that inspire children to connect with nature. The Fagan Park Children’s Forest is more than a playground, it’s a living classroom that encourages curiosity, learning, and a lifelong appreciation for the environment,” said Mayor Waddell.
“Winning this national award is a testament to the vision and collaboration that made this project possible.”
This project was funded by the NSW Government in association with Hornsby Shire Council.
The Council has also announced a tree house, funded in part by a NSW Government Crown Reserve Improvement Fund Grant, is planned for construction within the Fagan Park Children’s Forest by Spring 2026, further enhancing the unique destination for families.
For further information on the Fagan Park Children’s Forest visit https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/Community/Sports-and-recreation/Parks-and-playgrounds/Playgrounds/Fagan-Park-Childrens-Forest.
