Why it matters: The fire on Tuesday, 2 December, at approximately 21:00 caused irreparable damage to a play tower and the surrounding wet pool surface in what was meant to be a flagship inclusive facility for disabled children and adults.
The details: Police are investigating the fire, which the council says will require the damaged play tower to be removed and fenced off whilst a replacement is installed over several weeks.
The remaining play area has been thoroughly inspected and professionally cleaned, reopening on the afternoon of 3 December after being deemed safe for use.
For context: The upgraded play area opened on 22 August 2025 as the eighth facility improved under Ipswich Borough Council's ongoing play area strategy. The project created 120 play features across four themed zones, designed specifically to be accessible and inclusive for children of all abilities.
The council worked closely with local families and the Friends of Chantry Park to develop the space, which celebrated everything that makes Chantry Park special through zones inspired by the fishing pond, iconic gigs in the park, and an enchanted grove.
What they're saying: "We were delighted to open a space for both children and adults with disabilities to have fun and be creative earlier this year and we are deeply saddened that part of this has been destroyed," said Councillor Lucy Trenchard, portfolio holder for parks and climate change.
"We are working quickly to put things right and the damaged play tower is being removed and will be fenced off whilst installation of a new play tower takes place over several weeks."
The bottom line: After investing a significant amount of money to create an inclusive play space that only opened in August, taxpayers now face a £70,000 bill to repair damage caused by what is suspected to be deliberate vandalism.
