The revamp of Leagues Club Field at Gosford has reached the final stages of construction, with its tidal terrace feature about to undergo a period of thorough testing.
The tidal terrace, part of the NSW Government’s $10M transformation of the field, will bring Brisbane Water onto the site for the first time since the land was reclaimed in the early 1900s.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the tidal terrace is the first of its kind for recreational use in Australia.
“Leagues Club Field is set to deliver something really special for our Central Coast community, with this water play space something Australia has never seen before,” Crouch said.
“As the tide in Brisbane Water rises and falls, so will the water in Leagues Club Field, creating a shallow splash pool or sandy play area depending on the time of day.
“It’s a remarkable engineering feat, and I thank the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) for working with landscape architects to think outside the box and take advantage of Gosford’s natural assets.”
Water quality has undergone significant testing, and an automated underground gate will control the amount of water entering the tidal terrace, maintaining a safe depth of 30cm.
Other features like pumps, rain gauges and filters will create a clean and safe play area.
Crouch said sandstone “islands” had been crafted in the water, modelled on rock carvings from the nearby Bulgandry Aboriginal art site.
“At the centre of the tidal terrace is a circular gathering space which is surrounded by art poles decorated by local Aboriginal artist Gavi Duncan and adorned with the handprints of students from Chertsey Primary School,” Crouch said.
“The tidal terrace is more than a play area.
“It will be the cultural heart of Leagues Club Field and provide a unique space for people to gather, perform and celebrate.”
Essential testing of the tidal terrace will continue for several weeks to ensure the correct capture of tidal flow during all weather conditions.
Information Source: Media Release Jan 27, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch