Central Coast Council has commenced work to redevelop Susan Fahey Park, Copacabana and construct an innovative district sized playspace which was designed from community consultation.

Council’s Director of Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said this new inclusive playspace and redeveloped park will have something for everyone.

“These improvement works and new playspace will enhance the features of the existing park creating an engaging hub for the community to meet, socialise and undertake play and recreational activities,” Mr Cox said.

“The redeveloped community space will provide a wide variety of opportunities for a range of ages and abilities for both the local community and the high volume of seasonal visitors to the area.”

The design includes:

• a concrete outdoor ping pong table
• an outdoor chess table
• adult fitness equipment
• drink bottle refill station
• connecting wheelchair accessible pathways
• accessible BBQ’s
• new picnic shelter and tables
• an inclusive play unit
• accessible spinner, accessible see saw and unique rope swing
• the existing basket swing which will be made more accessible for all to use with rubber softfall. The play area will also boast a bespoke timber ‘peek a boo’ wall with informational highlights about the surrounding bushland and natural elements of Copacabana complete with braille buttons
• the existing toilets which previously serviced the tennis courts, which will now be opened to the public.

This project is jointly funded by Central Coast Council with grant funding from the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play Program – a collaborative initiative to create guidelines to ensure new and upgraded playspaces are inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the voice of the community played a key role in the development of this park’s plans and design.

“The park’s redevelopment and playspace designs were guided by local community feedback provided during two rounds of consultation over the past twelve months. We listened to the community and adjusted designs based on local resident’s feedback so we can deliver a facility that meets their needs,” Mayor Matthews said. 

“Playspaces and parks are the heart of our neighbourhoods - providing spaces for the community to connect and lead healthy and active lifestyles. We are thankful for the NSW Government’s funding which will enable us to deliver another highly valued recreational space for the community and visitors to enjoy.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the NSW Government was committed to delivering high-quality playspaces across the Coast.

“The jointly-funded $500,000 major upgrade of Susan Fahey Park is one of multiple playspaces that the NSW Government and Central Coast Council are delivering together,” Mr Crouch said.

“The playspace is designed for people of all ages and abilities, with traditional swings and new basket-style swings, plus a ground-level carousel so that children in wheelchairs can join their friends.

“There will also be a dry creek bed lined with river stones for kids to explore, as well as a sensory garden with scented plants and musical instruments.

“In times like these, we all understand the value of high-quality outdoor spaces, and once complete, Susan Fahey Park really will set the standard for how playgrounds can and should be accessible to all.”

Construction is due for completion by the end of October 2020 (weather permitting).

For more information visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/susan-fahey-playspace