The new apparatus replaces the equipment destroyed in an arson attack in late July which cost the council $50,000.

The new playground structure is modelled on the one it replaced, with the same range of play features.

“While the playground has remained open since the incident, the main structure had to be removed due to fire damage,” a spokesperson for the council said.

“Council fast-tracked replacement of the equipment to ensure the playground was quickly restored for use by local and visiting families.”

The arson attack prompted a fiery response from locals.

Some called for the vandals to be dobbed in to authorities by their friends. Some called for security measures at the park to be boosted.

And others were simply saddened by the attack, and the impact the playground’s closure had on their children.

May Kay Fraser visited the playground on Wednesday.

“Council is very pleased to be able to restore this much-loved facility so quickly after such a senseless attack,” Cr Fraser said.

“Rathmines Park is one of our most popular playgrounds and the community has a strong attachment to it, as shown by the strong, emotional response to the incident in July.”

She said it was clear the new playground would be a hit.

“We can see how well this playground is going to be used. Kids and their families are going to love it,” she said.

“It is wonderful to know the playground will be filled with children again this weekend and I congratulate council staff on delivering the new equipment so efficiently.”

The playground has a Catalina theme, in keeping with the local heritage of Rathmines as a World War II amphibious aircraft base.

The play area’s dimensions match the length and wing span of a Catalina.