The playground, with its swings, large climbing frame and 25m flying fox, was built by Wollongong City Council and designed with significant input from schoolchildren.

Don Gray OAM, a long-time Thirroul resident, was just a young boy when the elephant saga unfolded and last year depicted it in his book My Thirroul.

"It's just wonderful to think certain activities that happened in Thirroul many years ago are being highlighted," Mr Gray said at the playground's official opening yesterday. "Of course, I refer mainly to the elephant.

"I'm here representing old times and old things.

"You must remember that someone of my vintage is surprised to see all that's been going on here these last few months.

"It does my heart good to see all these young kids here having the time of their lives."

Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery, who attended the opening, said involving the children in the design process had given them a sense of ownership.

Lily Kaancoburn, 10, was one of the children who had a hand in the playground's creation.

"We were involved in making engravings," she said.

"There's different ones all around the park of different Australian animals."

Lily, along with her classmates at Thirroul Public School, also helped design the frog pond.

The pond features lily pads and frogs around the perimeter.

St Michael's Catholic Parish Primary School student Talieson Bristow, 8, helped design the flying fox and climbing frame.

Talieson and other children were quick to suggest the flying fox was their favourite piece of equipment.

"It's fun at the end when you can get up in the air," Talieson said.