Children’s Forest opening at Fagan Park
Fagan Park in Galston has been transformed with its new section, ‘The Children’s forest’, an interactive and nature-based play area, dedicated towards building responsible stewardship.
New South Wales’ first ‘Children’s Forest’ was officially opened on the 11th of April 2024 and is now welcomed to the general public to experience the educational model. Through an interactive space, children can engage with educational discovery pods, timber animal interactions, an outdoor learning space, a Yarning Circle and a pond with stepping stones. 
Joined on the day by Arcadia Public School and Galston Public School, the Children’s Park was created in close consultation with five local schools of what a children’s forest should look like. Project planner for Hornsby council, Meredith Paterson recounted the process;
“It was a very collaborative and immersive experience for the children and asked them, ‘What do you think a children’s forest would look like? What’s important to you and we got the most amazing ideas like flying foxes and treehouses. Being a local resident and having that relationship with the local community and students was brilliant”.
The aim of the new playground is to build a sense of connection to nature for children. Situated in Hornsby’s largest parkland of over 55 hectares, the NSW government funded this project as well as the Fagan family who donated the land.
“Nurture children’s relationship
with the natural world and showcase
the value of trees.”
Uncle Neil Evans, a GuriNgai Custodian, performed a beautiful smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country, celebrating children’s stewardship of the natural environment and paying respect to the traditional Dharug and GuriNgai ancestors of the land.
Hornsby Mayor, Hon Phillip Ruddock AO, also expressed his ambitions for the project to; 
“Nurture children’s relationship with the natural world and showcase the value of trees.”, also adding, “I thank the students from each of our schools, I hope you get a good interactive session and we look forward to children utilising this space”.
Stephen Bali MP, who appeared on behalf of the Hon Paul Scully MP (Minister Planning and Public Space) was inspired by this project as, “This facility sets the benchmark for the rest of NSW to follow”.
Bring your young ones and experience the new magic of the Children’s Forest at Fagan Park, 38-48 Arcadia Rd, Galston NSW 2159.
Fagan Park doesn’t require a ticket for entry, except for vehicle parking and is open every day 7am until 5.30 pm (or 6.30 pm during daylight saving).
