The Save Central Coast Reserves group is heaving a sigh of relief after Central Coast councillors voted on June 9 to include smaller local parks and playgrounds in the Draft Central Coast Playspace Strategy to go on public exhibition for 28 days.
As previously reported in The Chronicle, group founder Sue Chidgey had raised concerns that 25 reserves, playgrounds and green spaces could be at risk, with the Council’s Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) calling for an audit to review the use of small parks and engagement of the community in consultation on how they might be better used.
However, Councillors voted to include local and neighbourhood parks in the Draft Playspace Strategy and by extension, the LSPS, following amendments from Deputy Mayor, Jane Smith.
Cr Smith’s recommendation was that Council note community concerns about the potential loss of local parks in favour of larger regional parks, and confirm its support for a strategy that included neighbourhood “local parks” accessible to communities within walking distance in addition to larger recreational multi-use open space destinations.
Cr Smith said the pandemic showed the importance of local open spaces and parks and the community needed reassurance.
Chidgey said it was “a very positive outcome”.
“Many thanks to Deputy Mayor Jane Smith for supporting resident concerns about the original draft Planning Strategy regarding suburban reserves,” she said.
“Thankfully many residents stood up to voice their concerns about these vital community assets and Council seems to have listened.
“Residents will need to remain vigilant to ensure that their small suburban reserves, parks and green spaces are improved, maintained and protected into the future.”
Mayor, Lisa Matthews, said the draft strategy aimed to set a clear direction for planning new and upgrading existing play spaces across the Central Coast.
“Underpinning this draft strategy is the desire to create and build high quality inclusive play spaces which contribute to active lifestyles, support social engagement, are creative, enjoyable, appropriately sited, equitably distributed and sustainably managed,” Clr Matthews said.
The Draft Playspace Strategy also articulates the 20-year renewal program based on life expectancy of equipment and meeting current Australian Standards.
Source:
Meeting, Jun 9
Agenda item 2.6
Central Coast Council
Media statement, Jun 11
Sue Chidgey