Berkeley Vale will be a hub of activity when Central Coast Council finishes upgrading recreational facilities to meet the growing needs of the community.

Works from Council’s Play Space Strategy and Skate Strategy at Berkeley Vale are on track. The upgrades totalling $385,000 will be completed this financial year as planned.

A run down play space is getting a makeover into a natural play space, the skate park is going to be bigger and better and Kurraba Oval is having a district play space added to complement the popular area surrounded by a school, childcare centres and sports oval.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council was committed to delivering more opportunities for its active and growing community.

“We are making sure we continue to deliver on the services our residents want and need,” Mr Reynolds said.

“These works are part of Council’s fully funded operational plan, rolling out across the Coast to improve the quality of life for our community.

“Our draft Operational Plan for next financial year is now on exhibition and we are planning to spend more than $54 million on improving our open spaces like these.”

The new look play space at Berkeley Park, off Bundilla Parade (near the traffic lights), has had the deteriorating play equipment removed and replaced with natural elements, creating a space for children to play, climb and use their playful imaginations. Work is expected to be finished before the end of May.

Across the other side of the road, the popular skate park next to Berkeley Vale Oval is being expanded with extra elements, such as ramps and a shade structure. The improvements will give riders more diversity at the park and is expected to be open in June. This upgrade was partly funded by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services through the Social & Community Housing Improvement Fund.

Over in Kurraba Parade, a district play space is being built at the oval to complement the existing facilities and local services.

A district play space is bigger than the average local park and caters for children of all ages and abilities.

The new play space is expected to be open in July and will see junior and senior climbing units, swings - including a combined toddler and adult one, see-saw, spinning toys and a large shelter and seating as well as a sports wall that can cater for basketball and soccer.

To see the full draft Operational Plan and list of projects planned for next year, go to yourvoiceourcoast.com