Northern Beaches Council will increase surveillance of popular Clontarf Reserve after valuable shade-sails protecting a children’s playground were vandalised for the second time in a month.

On Thursday, 12 January Northern Beaches Council was forced to close Clontarf Reserve Playground for urgent repairs to the shade cloth structure after the shade-sails were slashed and ripped, causing over $18,000 worth of damage.

Northern Beaches Council General Manager Mark Ferguson said the latest slashing of shade-sails is expected to cost another $9,000 or more to repair.

“This is not the first time the Reserve has been vandalised with attempts to poison trees and repeated damage to playground equipment.

“The vandalism is not only costing the community thousands of dollars in repairs but is especially upsetting to the parents and children who come to Clontarf Reserve to enjoy the playground,” Mr Ferguson said.

Council is reviewing its current surveillance of the Reserve and will consider what additional measures can be put in place to identify and deter offenders.

Anyone who may have information in relation to vandalism at Clontarf Reserve is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.