A day at the park

"Draw your own conclusions"

I met someone at the Sall Grover case in Sydney who showed me some photos on her phone that her friend had taken while at the park with her children. I asked for permission to share, and her sent me these photos along with the following text.

“I've just spoken with C, who I believe you had lunch with following the Tickle v Giggle hearing this morning.

She mentioned your interest in the incident I had at the local children's park.

I'm happy for the information to be published.

I've attached a number of photos. My own children and the children of other people at the park are included.

Key points on the incident:

1. The incident took place on a weekend in May, 2023, at a park in Penrith, NSW. This was during a peak period in the afternoon, when the park is particularly filled with children.

2. The people in ‘furry’ costumes came out of nowhere - they were not part of any local council event, there was no official event related to a sports team or other mascots, they simply showed up.

3. Many kids and parents were very excited, with some asking to have photos with the people in suits.

4. There were three people in full suits, a photographer and another man in animal-themed onesies, and someone who appeared to be a handler, guiding them around the park (pictured in a grey hoodie and tight maroon jeans).

5. The photographer was particularly concerning, and he mostly stood at a distance taking pictures of the furries interacting with the kids using a pretty impressive-looking piece of equipment (pictured at the top of the slide in a leopard print onesie).

While most parents and kids were excited, my stomach dropped immediately, and we left quickly after they arrived.

Here are the photos. I leave you to draw your own conclusions.