Central Coast Council has completed a new regional-level playspace at Green Point plus a new district-level playspace at Gwandalan, with more projects planned to commence this financial year including at Saratoga, Pretty Beach, North Avoca, Mardi, Kariong, East Gosford and Avoca Beach.

Over the recent school holidays, many locals enjoyed the new play equipment, upgraded basketball courts, connected pedestrian pathways, park furniture, public barbeques, picnic tables and water refill station that Sun Valley Park, Green Point now offers as the Central Coast’s third regional level playspace.

The Tunkuwallin Oval playspace, Gwandalan is also now complete with bouldering structure, inclusive custom bead and rail activity, swings, accessible carousel, timber play structure, nature play elements, fitness equipment, accessible paths, water refill station, shelter and picnic table.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said Council’s playspaces have provided a positive outlet for children right across the Coast, particularly during this latest lockdown period.

“Our public playspaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skate parks promote healthy living, active lifestyles and improve the quality of life for our community – For this reason we will continue to deliver public facilities, amenities, signage and playspaces in line with our annual Operational Plan and what our community has told us is important to them,” Ms Vaughan said.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the completion of new or upgraded community assets is something that Council is striving to continue.

“The continued delivery of playspace infrastructure is a result of community feedback as part of Council’s Central Coast Playspace Strategy and is important to ensure fit-for-purpose facilities that support the needs and growth of our community,” Mr Hart said.

“However in three years’ time we will be facing an annual income loss of $25million and without maintaining the 15 percent special variation for the life of the 10-year Long Term Financial Plan, the delivery of many projects like this will need to be reviewed and Council may again find itself in a dire financial situation.”

New playspaces to explore:

• Sun Valley Park, Green Point (Corner Sun Valley Rd and Dalgety Cres) – Upgrade works completed on new regional-level playspace proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Central Coast Council.
• Tunkuwallin Oval, Gwandalan (Kanangra Drive)  – Construction completed on new district playspace, funded by Local Infrastructure Contributions (Development Contributions) and a Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program Grant gained by Gwandalan Summerland Point Peninsula Improvement Group.

Upcoming playspaces to be completed this financial year:

• Kariong Recreation Area, Kariong – Construction of a new local playspace funded by Council.
• Hylton Moore Oval, East Gosford – Upgrade works on an existing local playspace funded by Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
• Jirramba Reserve, Saratoga – Upgrade works on an existing local playspace funded by Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
• Turo Close Reserve, Pretty Beach – Upgrade works on an existing local playspace funded by Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
• Palm Gully Park, North Avoca – Upgrade works on an existing local playspace funded by Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
• Woolmer’s Crescent Reserve, Mardi – Upgrade works on an existing local playspace funded by Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program
• Ross Park, Avoca Beach – Upgrade works on an existing district playspace funded by Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and Council.

Pelican Park playspace, Woy Woy: Council is listening to the community and acknowledges the community’s concerns and questions around the playspace and other projects as part of Woy Woy’s masterplan, which will be addressed as part of upcoming engagement to consult with the broader community. Until then, the playspace continues to be open for use.

More information on upcoming projects as well as timing for the Pelican Park consultation will be announced by Council when ready, and all opportunities for community participation in engagement activities will be promoted.

Learn about Council’s strategic direction for the development and sustainable management of playspaces across the coast, search ‘playspace’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

ENDS

Tunkuwallin Playspace

Sun Valley Park playspace, Green Point (photo credit: copyright 2021, Blake Stretton, Gittoes Real Estate)