No loos for Crangan Bay park

A map showing the location of the new park

A new park at Crangan Bay will not have toilets as part of its facilities.

Central Coast Council has said the park is a “local” park and only bigger “district” parks have toilets.

The planning agreement for the park was adopted at the December 12 meeting of the Council-under-administration after its design had been out on public exhibition.

Community feedback had asked for toilets and barbecues and off-street parking.

But Council said no.

“The space is considered a local park and therefore public amenities, barbecues and off-street car parking will not be included in the design,” Council said.

The nearest district park to the proposed new local park is about 1.5km away.

“Tunkuwallin Oval in Gwandalan is a district level facility and includes sporting fields, courts, skate park, shower and toilet facilities and therefore these facilities will not be duplicated in the design at Crangan Bay,” Council said.

Endorsement of the planning agreement allows for the formalisation of the approval process for the detailed design and delivery of the local park as well as the dedication of the land to Council.

The park was first proposed more than a decade ago when approval was given for a residential development to a maximum of 623 dwellings over a 62.24ha development at Crangan Bay.

A conceptual layout included local open space, bushland and the dedication of 205.75ha of conservation land to the NSW Government adjoining or adjacent to the site.

Further south, at Chittaway Bay, a group has been trying to get toilets at The Lions Park and Jimmy Jurd Pirate Park.

“It has all of the facilities that you would expect such as parking, shade trees, barbecues, covered areas, gym equipment and the excellent Jimmy Jurd Pirate Park; it has everything except a toilet block,” spokesman Les Smith said.

“Council claims at this stage because it is classed as a Local Playspace, which means play equipment is provided and people stay for one to two hours, toilets are not required.

“The next classification is District Playspace which is what The Lions Park and Jimmy Jurd Pirate Park should be classed as because it meets all of the requirements except there is no toilet block.

“The closest toilet is one kilometre up the road at Bluebell Park which has no parking and limited facilities.”

Smith said a review of Council’s toilet blocks would be displayed for public comment next year.

“If you would like to read what we have been doing please read and join our Facebook page – The Lions Park and Jimmy Jurd Pirate Park,” he said.

Merilyn Vale