Children’s slide at new Toggerai Park in Appin shut after man hospitalised

A slide at a brand new children’s playground has been sealed shut after a man was rushed to hospital.

The playground is part of the new Toggerai Park in Appin, far southwest Sydney, which was opened to the public earlier in July.

Development, Housing and Infrastructure Minister Paul Scully spruiked the new park with a video of him using the slide posted to social media on July 10.

“Delivered, tested and approved,” the video said, showing Scully rapidly exit the bottom of the slide.

As he lands at speed, he appears to barely manage to keep his footing.

“Appin has a new park for all ages to enjoy,” Scully said in the caption, adding a “Community Day” had been planned on July 18.

But instead of celebrating the new park, comments under the post warned others against using the slide due to safety concerns.

“Videos already circulating on the local community page of people coming off that slide very dangerously,” one said.

A second said Scully was “brave” to use the slide while another said paramedics had already been to the park.

Paramedics confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au that two NSW Ambulances rushed to the park about 1.30pm on July 13 after receiving reports of an injury.

A man aged in his 40s had suffered a leg injury while using the slide and was taken to Campbelltown Hospital in a stable condition.

Other locals have also reported being injured using the playground equipment, with one woman claiming her foot “snapped in two spots going down the slide”. That report could not be verified at the time of publishing.

A photo taken at the park now shows a metal sheet blocking entry to the slide.

The park was built after several consultation phases between the community and the Housing, Planning and Infrastructure Department (DHPI), and the Wollondilly Shire Council stretching back to September 2020.

A report on the final consultation was released in November 2023, which reported that locals were “excited by the size of the playground and the range of experiences available”.

“They also praised the park setting as well as the play and recreation options available,” The department said.

The DHPI told 7NEWS.com.au that the slide was  slide was designed, constructed, and certified in accordance with the relevant Australia Standards for playground equipment. 

“As a precaution, the slide has been temporarily cordoned off while the contractor undertakes further assessments.

“We thank the community for their patience while the review is undertaken.

“The safety of children and families is our highest priority and the slide will remain closed until those assessments are complete.

“Toggerai Park itself is a fantastic asset for the whole Appin community, delivered in partnership with Wollondilly Shire Council to give locals more places to play, connect and unwind outdoors.”