Final designs for the revamp of Pelican Park at Woy Woy are set to be made public by the end of the year, incorporating elements from both options presented during the consultation period in May.
Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said survey results revealed the community is very invested in the park’s future, with more than 500 submissions received.
In one of the closest results to date through a public survey, opinion was almost equally divided between Option 1 of nature play and Option 2 of pirate theme play.
As a result, a hybrid model featuring the best elements from both concepts will now progress through to a design stage.
Built in 1999, the popular waterfront playspace was slated to be closed two years ago because of safety concerns.
It received a last-minute reprieve due to community backlash, with the decision made to instead revamp the park and three design options put out for public comment earlier this year.
Option one incorporated a nature play theme and retained all existing vegetation but did not include rubberised soft fall.
Option two retained the existing pirate play theme with a reduced playspace and retention of all vegetation.
A third option, which would have seen the removal of one Swamp Cypress which to enable a larger playspace footprint with climbing, spinning and sculptural elements, is now off the table.
“Council has listened to the survey results and noted community preference to ensure that the swamp cypress tree is maintained in its entirety, as well as the fencing which was seen as an important part of the attraction of the playspace for parents with young children,” Smith said.
“While the design has yet to be finalised, I can confirm that the materials will be as natural as possible, and we will retain the existing fence line and picnic tables.
“This playspace will be accessible for all ages and will be a safe and inclusive space for many years to come.”
Council Administrator Rik Hart said the upgrade to Pelican Park was just one of many exciting developments in the pipeline for the Peninsula community.
“Since 1999 Pelican Park has been an important playspace for the community, and it’s pleasing that this makeover will allow that to continue,” he said.
“With construction on a district level playspace in Lion’s Park less than 1km away planned to start in 2024, it’s an exciting time for the community.”
Construction at Pelican Park is set to begin after the coming summer season.
Visit Your Voice Our Coast to read the community engagement summary and find out more information about the project.
Terry Collins