Following an audit facilitated by Central Coast Council and conducted by an independent authority, some equipment in fourteen play spaces on the Central Coast will be removed immediately.

The equipment – primarily older style Miracle Swings – will be removed from parks located in Avoca Beach, Erina, Ettalong, Kincumber, Narara, Niagara Park, Point Clare, Saratoga, Umina Beach, Gosford and Wyoming.

Council’s Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Boris Bolgoff, said that the audit was a necessary measure to ensure the safety of the thousands of people who utilise playgrounds across the Central Coast.

“Playgrounds are one of our popular assets, and these audits will ensure that our parks continue to meet Australian standards and keep people safe,” he said.

“Council has a dedicated replacement program in place for older equipment and most of the parks identified within the audit were already earmarked for replacement or removal.”

“In a number of instances these were the last remaining pieces of equipment, and their removal will provide the opportunity for passive open spaces in these locations.”

Mayor Jane Smith said that Council’s immediate action confirms its commitment to safety and community wellbeing.

“There are over 250 parks on the Central Coast and each and every one must be of a high standard now and into the future,” she said.

“First and foremost, it’s about quality, and the role of our playgrounds and play spaces to enhance the lives of those who visit them every day,”

“As a Council, ensuring our playgrounds are safe will always be a priority.”

In addition to its own program of safety checks, Council regularly facilitates independent and external audits to ensure its play spaces continue to meet Australian standards.

The immediate removal of the identified equipment is a necessary measure to ensure the sustainability of playgrounds across the local area.

Council is currently developing a new play space within the Alan Davidson Oval Wyoming, with upgraded play equipment and closer proximity to playing fields designed to improve both the experience and safety for its users. The play space is due to be completed and open to the public in March 2018.

Works are scheduled to commence from Monday 19^th February at the following locations:

 Walder Cresent Playground, Avoca

Bronzewing Drive Reserve Playground, Erina

Ettalong Oval Playground, Ettalong

Pinyari Park, Kincumber

Gavenlock Oval, Narara

Goonak Parade, Narara

Delaware Road, Niagara Park

Wendy Drive Playground, Point Clare

Saratoga Oval Playground, Saratoga

Brisbane Avenue Playground, Umina Beach

Lentara Road Playground, Umina Beach

Garnet Adcock Memorial, Park

Alan Davidson Oval Playground, Wyoming

Orange Parade, Wyoming