Laycock Street Park, Longford - Facilities Closure

Posted on May 30, 2025

It is with great disappointment that we inform the Longford community of the permanent closure of the public toilet and the deactivation of the BBQ at Laycock Street Park.

This decision has not been made lightly. The Laycock Street Park was created as a safe, welcoming space for families—a secure, fenced area where children could play, parents could relax, and the community could come together. With brand new play equipment, a BBQ for shared meals, and accessible toilet facilities, the park was designed with care and intention to serve as a cherished community asset.

However, the actions of a few have impacted the many.

Deliberate and repeated acts of vandalism—believed to be the work of a small number of individuals and families in the area—have left the park in disrepair. The security gates have been destroyed and removed. Fencing has been vandalised or torn down. Graffiti and paint damage now stain the play area. The toilet locks have been broken, the door dented and kicked in. The BBQ unit has been severely vandalised, rendering it unsafe to operate and requiring frequent, costly cleaning. Tragically, the play equipment—installed less than six months ago—has already suffered significant mistreatment.

The ongoing abuse has placed an unacceptable financial burden on the community. Repairs and clean-up costs fall to ratepayers. This is not fair to the many responsible residents who use and respect our public spaces.

Council has exhausted all reasonable options. The safety of users, particularly children, is our top priority. With ongoing vandalism and no signs of improvement, we are left with no choice but to close the toilet and disable the BBQ permanently. Further damage to the play equipment or infrastructure will be monitored and assessed with the potential for further action.

We know this will be disappointing to many—especially those who have enjoyed and cared for the park as it was intended. Council shares your frustration. We remain committed to maintaining and protecting public spaces across the Northern Midlands, and we urge the community to report suspicious or inappropriate behaviour around public facilities.

Let’s work together to protect what we value, and ensure our shared spaces are treated with the respect they deserve.