New slide at popular playground suddenly shut down following an incident just days after it was given a politician's thumbs-up

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 07:28, 23 July 2026 | Updated: 07:29, 23 July 2026 A new slide has been cordoned off within weeks of opening after multiple reports of injuries, including one man rushed to hospital.  The slide is an attraction at Appin’s new Toggerai Park, which opened on the outskirts of south-west Sydney earlier in July for the school holidays.  The NSW government partnered with Wollondilly Shire Council to transform 17 hectares of former pastureland into a community space with nature-based play spaces, walking trails and playground equipment.  The state's Development, Housing and Infrastructure Minister Paul Scully shared a video of himself testing the slide ahead of the community opening day scheduled for last weekend.  He could be seen struggling to keep his footing as he dismounted the slide.  'Delivered, tested and approved. Appin has a new park for all ages to enjoy,' the video said. However, three days later, two ambulances were called to the park. NSW Ambulance confirmed paramedics treated a man in his 40s for a leg injury sustained on the slide before taking him to hospital.  NSW Development, Housing and Infrastructure Minister Paul Scully tested the new slide at Appin’s Toggerai Park earlier this month  The slide (pictured being road tested by the minister) has since been cordoned off as precaution following reports of injuries  The NSW government and Wollondilly Shire Council created a new playground as part of the community space on the site  The incident divided locals on social media, with some airing safety concerns. One woman said she ended up in hospital after her foot 'snapped in two spots going down the slide'. 'You go down way too fast and come flying out the end of them,' she said online. Another local said the slide should be changed to make it safe, while others aired their concern about future injuries.  'The slide needs to be extended to prevent further broken bones,' one resident said on Scully's video. 'I don’t know why they waste so much money and make it dangerous for little kids. What about normal swings and other stuff we used to have years ago?' a second added. Others argued that people should use common sense when supervising children at the park.  'Simple, don't let your kids on them. #problemsolved,' one user said. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure said it has cordoned off the slide following an incident. It is not known how long the slide will be out of action.  'The slide was designed, constructed and certified in accordance with the relevant Australian standards for playground equipment,' a spokeswoman told the Daily Mail. '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.'