Central Coast’s new district-level playspace at Picnic Point The Entrance, is already proving popular with locals and visitors!

While officially opened on 15 April 2025, the playspace was ready for the community on Friday 11 April – ensuring it was open for the first weekend of the school holidays.

The playspace features swing sets, slides, a multi-level climbing structure, an obstacle course, a flying fox, a junior climbing unit, shade and is fully fenced. It also incorporates the existing rope climbing unit.

The new playspace is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Program ($190,000) in association with Central Coast Council ($196,000).  

Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the new playspace is a fantastic addition for local families.

“We’re always excited to deliver playspace projects to communities across the Coast, providing children with safe, engaging and inclusive places to play, learn and grow,” Ms Smith said.

“These projects, funded by Council, the New South Wales Government and other contributors, demonstrate a significant investment in the community.”

Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the design of the playspace project reflects a community-driven and inclusive approach.

“Last year, we conducted extensive community engagement to gather feedback on what residents wanted to see in playspaces,” Mayor McKinna said.

“This feedback, along with guidance from our endorsed Playspace Strategy and Disability Inclusion Action Plan, directly shaped the equipment selection and overall design, ensuring the Picnic Point playspace is inclusive and meet the needs of local families.

“We’re proud to be delivering these community assets, shaped by input from the very people who will use them.”

The Member for the Entrance, David Mehan MP said he was delighted to be delivering on one of his key election promises made during the 2023 state election campaign.

“The community made it very clear that they wanted this playground upgraded, and I am pleased their views are reflected in the Council design,” Mr Mehan said.

The Picnic Point playspace also features the inclusion of a Public Art piece which is in remembrance of the late Mrs Leigh Black, and which was funded through community fundraising, led by Leigh's family, including her husband Jeff, and close friends.

Mr Black said it is fantastic to see the community, the NSW Government and Central Coast Council come together to make this possible.

“A big thank you to all involved and to all who donated, with a special mention for Mrs Vanessa Kooger for her fundraising efforts.

“Please come and see the wonderful Public Art piece and take a moment in this great location, to reflect on just how precious life is and to simply appreciate the joy children experience when playing outdoors,” Mr Black said.

For more information search 'playspace renewals 2024-25 at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

FAQ
What’s the difference between local, district and regional playspaces?

Council classifies playspaces into local, district and regional categories. This system helps determine the appropriate size, features and location for each playspace based on the needs of the surrounding community. 

•    Local playspaces are smaller playspaces typically found within local parks. They cater primarily to residents living within a short distance (generally 400-800m) and are designed for shorter play sessions.

•    District playspaces are medium-sized playspaces often co-located with other community facilities, such as sports fields or community centres. They serve a larger area, typically within a 1-2km radius, and are designed for longer play sessions (more than 2 hours).

•    Regional playspaces are the largest playspaces, offering a wide variety of equipment and often including additional amenities such as car parking, skate parks or half-courts. They serve a wider catchment area, typically within a 5-10km radius, and may attract visitors from across the region.