2019

Arnot Hill Park play area equipment destroyed by arson attack has been replaced in time for school holidays

Date Posted: 10:57 AM on Wed, 31 July 2019

A brand new children’s play tower, complete with slides and climbing wall has been installed at Arnot Hill Park, just two months after the park was closed due to an arson attack.

In May, the tower at Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, was destroyed by vandals who deliberately set the equipment on fire. There was public outcry about the damage caused to the much-loved park with thousands of people commenting on the council’s social media pages. Following the incident, the Police carried out an investigation and swiftly arrested two teenagers on suspicion of arson.

The new tower, which cost £32,000, took just three weeks to build and is a full metal construction. The metal will protect it from a similar act of vandalism attack carried out on the previous tower, which was made of wood.

The play area also boasts a junior and toddler zone, swings, climbing walls as well as the tower, which was inspired by the iconic Arnot Hill House, situated next to the play area in the idyllic surroundings of Arnot Hill Park, Arnold.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said;

“We’re very pleased with how quickly we’ve been able to restore the park back to its original best. Children from all over the area come to the park and were upset when it had to be closed due to the incident in May. The support we had on social media about the damage was incredible, and the Police did a fantastic job at catching those responsible so quickly. I’d like to thank our team of officers who have worked around the clock to get the park back open in time for the school holidays.”