Upgrades for 10 playspaces

Ten locations across the Central Coast are receiving playspace upgrades, making way for improved and accessible play areas.

Upgrades totalling $1.1M began in February and are estimated to be complete by April at a variety of locations.

Central Coast Council Director Community and Culture Melanie Smith said Council’s Playspace Strategy ensured playspace assets were maintained through a renewal program based on the age of equipment and its condition.

“Council’s 2020-2025 Playspace Strategy provides strategic direction for the development and sustainable management of playspaces on the Central Coast.” she said.

“Council’s planned upgrades ensure these community assets are maintained through a renewal program with regular reviews and a programmed schedule of works to maintain, upgrade and – where necessary – remove old, vandalised, or broken equipment.

“We are excited to see the renewal of the 10 playspaces as they play an important role in our community and to visitors to the area as a place where children can develop physical, emotional, social and cognitive skills.”

The renewals have included innovative and inclusive recreational upgrades including sensory play panels, swings, nest swings, park furniture, rubber softfall and new concrete pathways to connect the playspaces.

The playspaces to be upgraded are: Applegum Park, Woongarrah; Ben Davis Reserve, Bensville; Lions Park, Gwandalan; Maidens Brush Reserve, Wyoming; Oregan Place Reserve, Hamlyn Terrace; Parkland Gardens Reserve, Tumbi Umbi; Pioneer Park, Kulnura; Wamberal Hall, Wamberal; Woodbury Estate Park, Mardi; and Young St Reserve, Norah Head.

In addition to the planned renewals, construction of the playspace at Kariong, next to the new skate park and pump track at Curringa Rd, commenced on January 22.

The local level playspace was designed with input from the community and will include slides, climbing structures, a swing set, spring rocker play equipment (suitable for children aged up to 10) and seating.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said playspaces and parks played an important role in the lives of the community and visitors.

“These renewals have been made possible thanks to Council’s forward planning with funding provided through Council’s capital works budget, with assistance of the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Grant Program helping to deliver Wamberal Hall and Maidens Brush Reserve Playspaces,” he said.

“I’m pleased to see the renewal of these playspaces which will be enjoyed by the community for years to come and will encourage active lifestyles for the children across the Coast.”

To view the Central Coast Playspace Strategy, playspace FAQs and the region’s playspace map visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/playspaces

To view concept images for all 10 playspaces search ‘Playspace renewals’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au