Residents of Woy Woy and beyond are invited to have their say on three options for a new concept for Pelican Park Woy Woy with construction set to be completed before June next year.
Built in 1999, the popular waterfront playspace has reached the end of its design life and was slated to be closed two years ago because of safety concerns.
It received a last-minute reprieve due to community backlash, with the new design ensuring the much-loved park will remain in use for many years to come.
Central Coast Council has now developed three design concepts which will be on display for 28 days with residents encouraged to have their say before more thorough concept design can be actioned during the next stage of the project.
A full design of the chosen concept will be exhibited to the public early next year.
Option one uses the existing playspace with a nature play theme and retains all existing vegetation but does not include rubberised soft fall.
Option two retains the existing pirate play theme with a reduced playspace area to comply with standards for play equipment fall zones, and to keep clear of existing tree roots.
Again, all vegetation is retained with this option.
Option three proposes the removal of one Swamp Cypress which will enable a larger playspace footprint with climbing, spinning and sculptural elements
Due to the larger playspace proposed and the removal of a tree, additional funding would need to be diverted from the Woy Woy Lions District playspace upgrade project to deliver this option.
Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the feedback received during initial consultation with the community in 2020 had informed the design concepts this time around.
“It was very clear to us during the community consultation period that Pelican Park is highly valued by the people of the Peninsula, and the broader community,” she said.
“We listened and we understand that it’s a very important playspace for families in the peninsula, and this is why we have gone back to the drawing board to develop workable options for the site to be both safe and fun into the future especially around the issue of the tree roots.”
Council Administrator Rik Hart said the upgrade to Pelican Park was just one of many exciting projects happening across the Peninsula.
“Over the next 12 months our draft Operational Plan highlights a number of projects on the Peninsula due for completion,” he said.
“This includes consolidating our Woy Woy Masterplan, upgrading crucial infrastructure and ensuring young children’s needs are being looked after here at Pelican Park and also at Lions Park.
“I would encourage residents to have their say during this consultation process and vote for the concept that they would like to see in further detail.”
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, who raised more than 6,000 signatures on a petition to save the park, is urging community members to have their say.
“With NSW Labor committing $180,000 to Central Coast Council for the upgrade of Pelican Park, news of the commencement of community consultation is welcome,” she said.
“Pelican Park is an icon of the Woy Woy town centre, bringing together families and community members to enjoy our beautiful Brisbane Water environment.
“I have spoken to community members across the Gosford electorate and beyond who speak of generations of memories at this park, and I am thrilled that generations to come will continue to enjoy this shared community space.
“I look forward to working with Council to improve community spaces across the Central Coast.”
To view the Pelican Park Concept Designs and register your vote, go online to Your Voice Our Coast before 5pm on Friday, June 16.
Source:
Central Coast Council