Central Coast Council is continuing to deliver for the region during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic with a Water Play Park at the Peninsula Leisure Centre (PLC) - one of the exciting new projects now underway.

Over $1 million will be invested to deliver the interactive water-based play and education space, which is proudly funded by the NSW Government with $850,000 from the Stronger Country Communities fund and over $200,000 from Council.

Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the water park would be accessible to all Central Coast Community members.

“Our community has told us they would like to see the outdoor space within the PLC better utilised and we’ve listened,” Ms Vaughan said.

“This new Water Play Park can be enjoyed upon entry to the PLC – we expect it to attract community members from the Peninsula and across the Coast, and of course visitors to our beautiful region.

“The design selected is focused on creating a safe, water-based play space that can be accessed by people of all ages and abilities for fun and education.”

The nautical themed Water Play Park includes a tipping bucket, interactive (cause and effect) features, shade sail, in-built filtration system and zero depth (for safety and accessibility).

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro congratulated Central Coast Council on getting shovels in the ground and said the water park would become a treasured asset for people living in or visiting the region.

“The NSW Government knows how important it is to support our regional communities with new facilities and better infrastructure and that’s why we funded this important project under the Stronger Country Communities Fund,” Mr Barilaro said.

The $400 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local programs and infrastructure that improve the lives of people living in regional NSW.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Water Play Park is one of many projects Council will deliver during the current difficult situation.

“COVID-19 has changed all our lives in unimaginable ways but Council is getting on with the job of delivering essential services and important projects whilst adhering to State and Federal legislation and physical distancing requirements,” Mayor Matthews said.

“We’ve listened to our community and will deliver an exciting new Water Play Park that will contribute to several of the objectives outlined in our Strategic Plan ‘One – Central Coast’ including creating liveable cities and healthy lifestyles for our growing community.”

Construction of the Water Play park commenced in April 2020 and is expected to be completed by the end June 2020.