No funds available to fix Kariong reserve

Central Coast Council has acknowledged that Kariong Sporting Reserve needs substantial upgrading but says funds have simply not been available for the necessary work.

One concerned resident recently wrote to Council outlining a range of maintenance and vandalism issues at the sporting reserve at Mitchell Dr and Pollock Ave.

The resident said graffiti abounds – on signs, buildings, poles, in the skate park and children’s playground and on the underpass and other structures.

“The only water fountain/tap which is accessible to the public is sealed off,” he said.

“The children’s playground is very dirty, with the soft-fall sand contaminated with grass, rubbish and leaves.

“The safety fencing along the oval is torn down in several parts and there is extensive damage to the cricket nets fencing.

“The picnic tables are in a bad state of repair – one of them has a hole in the tabletop and table surfaces have deteriorated to the point that parts have rotted and are not a suitable flat surface (on which) to place a cup of coffee.”

The resident said buildings in the reserve have been vandalised, as have the skate park and light poles.

A vandalised safety railing on the viewing platform poses a fall risk for children, he said.

The car park drain is partially blocked and one of the car park vehicle stops is sitting on the kerb nearby.

The resident said Council crews should be identifying the issues and having them addressed in a timely manner without the need for the community to provide input.

“The fixes are very simple and would be relatively low cost,” he said.

But a Council spokesperson said with a focus on financial recovery last year, there have been no funds available for the substantial upgrading and investment needed to make the reserve fully functional for community use.

“We are however pleased to say that work to rectify some of the identified issues, such as replacement of the children’s playground and a relocation of the skatepark, is being scheduled for 2022,” the spokesperson said.

“The picnic tables will also be renewed this financial year.

“The maintenance of the cricket nets on the sports oval is the responsibility of the cricket sporting club, however Council will liaise with the club to discuss a suitable solution.

“Removal of the graffiti will be scheduled as soon as budget allows, as will the remedial work on the temporary fencing around the sediment retention basin.”

Terry Collins