A THIEF with sticky fingers has ruined the work of green thumbs, stealing a number of trees from the recently opened playground at Gregson Park.
City of Newcastle said the newly-planted grass trees were stolen overnight.
In a Facebook post the council said it understands the community's disappointment and is looking at options to replace the grass trees with alternative bush tucker species in the much-loved park.
"Sadly, a large number of newly-planted grass trees were stolen overnight from the recently opened playground at Gregson Park," it said.
"Following the completion of the significant upgrades to Hamilton's beloved park, the community was welcomed back to enjoy the space at the start of this month.
"The seven grass trees surrounded the yarning circle and were part of the bush tucker garden, created to enrich learning and awareness of native edible plants."
The council has urged anyone with information about the theft to contact NSW Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The $3-million playground has a variety of traditional play equipment, as well as a range of accessible and nature-based play options, with traditional Indigenous elements, including the yarning circle designed to encourage knowledge sharing and a bush-tucker garden to enrich learning of native edible plants.
