Eleven playspaces across the Central Coast have been renewed, featuring improved recreational and accessibility features.
This includes 10 locations announced earlier this year, as well as one of three additional playspaces scheduled for renewal in 2024.
The initial 10 playspaces received a combined $1.1M in upgrades, with construction commencing in February and recently completed.
These playspaces now offer more inclusive and engaging play experiences for children of all abilities.
The completed locations are: Applegum Park, Woongarrah; Ben Davis Reserve, Bensville; Lions Park, Gwandalan; Maidens Brush Reserve, Wyoming; Oregon Place Reserve, Hamlyn Terrace; Parkland Gardens Reserve, Tumbi Umbi; Pioneer Park, Kulnura; Wamberal Hall; Woodbury Estate Park, Mardi; and Young Street Reserve, Norah Head.
The three additional locations are: Baker Park in Wyong (recently completed); Bushlands Ave in Springfield; and Isaac Park in Hamlyn Terrace.
Central Coast Council Director of Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said community input helped shape the designs.
“I am excited to see the renewal of 11 playspaces across our region completed, with an additional two locations commencing this year,” she said.
“These spaces are vital community assets that contribute significantly to the physical, emotional and cognitive development of our children.
“Extensive community consultation and data analysis from recent years informed our equipment selection and design so we are confident that these revitalised playspaces will provide engaging and inclusive play experiences for all.”
The newly completed and upcoming renewals all feature innovative and inclusive recreational upgrades, including sensory play panels, swings, nest swings, park furniture, rubber softfall for safety and, importantly, new concrete pathways for improved accessibility.
Council Administrator Rik Hart said Council’s 2020-2025 Playspace Strategy outlined a 20-year renewal program to sustainably manage the lifecycle of playspaces, ensuring repairs, replacements and upgrades were carried out.
The upgrades were funded through Council’s capital works budget with additional support from NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Grant Program for several projects and developer contributions for Isaac Park.
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said the upgraded playspaces were a valuable asset for the community.
“While young people are having fun on the playground, they’re also developing important skills like fitness, problem solving and co-ordination, all while disconnecting from devices,” he said.
To view the Central Coast Playspace Strategy visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/playspaces
To view the final renewed playspaces and the concept designs for the two scheduled playspaces, search ‘playspace renewals’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au