Eleven playspaces across the Central Coast have undergone renewals, featuring improved recreational and accessibility features. This includes the ten locations announced earlier this year, as well as one of three additional playspaces scheduled for renewal in 2024.

The initial ten playspaces received a combined $1.1million in upgrades, with construction commencing in February 2024 and recently completed. These playspaces now offer more inclusive and engaging play experiences for children of all abilities. The completed locations include:

• Applegum Park, Woongarrah
• Ben Davis Reserve, Bensville
• Lions Park, Gwandala
• Maidens Brush Reserve, Wyomin
• Oregon Place Reserve, Hamlyn Terrace
• Parkland Gardens Reserve, Tumbi Umbi 
• Pioneer Park, Kulnura
• Wamberal Hall, Wamberal
• Woodbury Estate Park, Mardi 
• Young Street Reserve, Norah Head. 

The three additional locations are Baker Park in Wyong (recently completed), Bushlands Avenue in Springfield and Isaac Park in Hamlyn Terrace.

Central Coast Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith expressed enthusiasm for the project’s progress and highlighted the valuable community input that shaped the designs.

“I am excited to see the renewal of eleven playspaces across our region completed, with an additional two locations commencing this year,” Ms Smith said.

“These spaces are vital community assets that contribute significantly to the physical, emotional and cognitive development of our children.

“Extensive community consultation and data analysis from recent years informed our equipment selection and design so we are confident that these revitalised playspaces will provide engaging and inclusive play experiences for all,” she concluded.

The newly completed and upcoming renewals all feature innovative and inclusive recreational upgrades, including sensory play panels, swings, nest swings, park furniture, rubber softfall for safety and, importantly, new concrete pathways for improved accessibility.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart highlighted the significance of playspaces in our community.

“Recognising the important role of playspaces in fostering children’s physical, emotional, social and cognitive development, Council remains committed to our 2020-2025 Playspace Strategy,” Mr Hart said.

“This strategy outlines a 20-year renewal program to sustainably manage the lifecycle of our playspaces, ensuring repairs, replacements and upgrades are carried out so our 270 playspaces remain safe and accessible.

“By renewing playspaces, we are providing a safe setting for children to play, learn and connect, as well as helping to connect families with the wider community,” Mr Hart said.  

The renewals were made possible through Council’s forward-thinking approach, with funding secured through Council’s capital works budget. Additional support came from NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Grant Program for Wamberal Hall, Maidens Brush Reserve and Bushlands Avenue playspaces. Developer contributions also played a part in funding the upgrade of Isaac Park.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong, The Hon. David Harris MP, applauded the upgraded playspaces, highlighting their positive impact on the Central Coast community.

“These upgraded playspaces are a valuable asset for the Central Coast community,” Mr Harris said.

“While young people are having fun on the playground, they’re also developing important skills like fitness, problem solving and coordination, all while disconnecting from devices.”

The NSW Government Spokesperson for Terrigal, The Hon. Mark Buttigieg MLC also praised the upgrades.

“Thanks to the funding from the NSW Government, the Bushlands Avenue Playspace in Springfield will receive a much-needed upgrade.

“This marks the third recent playspace upgrade within the Terrigal electorate, which is a fantastic outcome for the local community.”

To view the Central Coast Playspace Strategy, playspace FAQs and the region’s playspace map, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/playspaces

View the final renewed playspaces and the concept designs for the three newly announced playspaces on our website.