Central Coast families and visitors to our region will soon have new ways to play, with council investing more than $2 million in playground and play space upgrades this financial year.

Council Administrator Ian Reynolds says that upgrading our playgrounds and play spaces is an investment in the quality of life of our local community.

“Playgrounds and play spaces are an essential element in strengthening social networks. They offer active recreational assets, encourage community connectedness, and enrich the lives of the children and their families who use them,” said Mr. Reynolds.

“Council is creating a range of different playgrounds and play spaces to suit our community’s needs. We are upgrading existing facilities or converting them to fitness stations or natural play spaces.”

Many upgrades are scheduled to be completed before Christmas. These works include:

• Cheero Point Road, Cheero Point - play space upgrade;
• Broadwater Park, Kincumber - new fitness equipment;
• Ross Park, Avoca Beach - new fitness equipment;
• Trafalgar Avenue, Woy Woy - play space upgrade;
• Dean Avenue, Kanwal -  play space upgrade;
• Mulloway Road Reserve, Chain Valley Bay North - play space upgrade;
• Tuesday Street Reserve, Tuggerawong - play space upgrade; and
• Gwandalan Lioness Park - play space upgrade.

“The much-loved play space at The Entrance waterfront is also nearing completion. The new play area will be larger, more diverse and colourful, as well as interactive to cater for children of all ages.

“This $550,000 investment will enhance the area’s natural beauty and create a more functional and user-friendly recreational facility,” Mr. Reynolds added.

Mr. Reynolds says community consultation plays a crucial role in upgrading council’s popular play areas.

“Community consultation is a key element in our playground and play space strategies and council works closely with local residents to determine the most appropriate recreational spaces for each location,” said Mr. Reynolds.

“Examples of successful community partnerships include the Trafalgar Avenue play space upgrade in Woy Woy, with the Umina Community Association raising $35,000 to assist in improving this popular recreational space.

“Consultation is also underway for an upgrade to the Kurraba Oval district play space at Berkeley Vale. Council is investing $260,000 to build a larger play space to complement the sporting precinct, local pre-school and primary school.”

Council has also been successful in securing a grant from the Social Housing Community Improvement Fund (SHCIF) for $136,307. This funding will help upgrade play spaces at Avery Street, Killarney Vale; Woodward and Owen Avenues, Wyong; as well as Lake Haven Recreation Centre.

Across the Central Coast, council manages more than 250 unique, fun and safe playgrounds and play spaces. Discover one near you by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au