New playspace at Tuggerawong ready for outdoor fun

A new playspace on the former community hall site at Tuggerawong is now ready for outdoor fun for children of all ages.

The new district-level playspace has transformed the area at 326-328 Tuggerawong Rd into a vibrant space for families.

Designed with community input, it features a mix of traditional and nature-based play equipment including a multi-level climbing structure, pendulum swing, three-bay swing set, slides and a mouse house, together with new shade shelters, seating and a water station near the shared pathway.

Central Coast Council has completed 13 local playspace renewals across the region as part of its 2024-25 program.

A district-level playspace at Picnic Point, The Entrance, was also completed and other upgrades include: Apex Park Bateau Bay; Debra Anne Dr, Bateau Bay (fitness equipment); Budgewoi – Woodland Parkway, Budgewoi; Lions Park Chittaway Bay (fitness equipment); Syd Sherar Reserve, Erina (reinstatement of play equipment); Arlington Reserve, Gorokan (nature play); Carmel Avenue Reserve, Halekulani; Adelaide Street Oval, Killarney Vale; Kingfisher Reserve, Kingfisher Shores; Patrick Kelly Reserve, Lake Munmorah; Jubilee Oval, Long Jetty; Murrumbooee Pl, Tascott; Jack Gear Reserve, Yarramalong.

Many of these sites include accessible elements, nature play features or fitness equipment to support community wellbeing.

Construction on another district-level playspace at Illoura Reserve, Davistown, which is also part of the 2024-25 renewal program, is scheduled to begin in September (weather permitting).

These projects cost $1.29M, funded through Council’s capital works budget, $330,000 from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and $50,000 from the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Program.

Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the focus was to create safe, inclusive and innovative playspaces that promoted active and healthy lifestyles.

“These playspaces offer much more than equipment, they create spaces where children and families can connect, explore and learn together,” she said.

“Each playspace is designed to provide a whole-of-park experience, with features suited to a wide range of ages, abilities and play preferences.”

Mayor Lawrie McKinna said that as part of Council’s ongoing efforts to provide quality recreational spaces, the upgrades were a positive addition to neighbourhoods across the Coast. 

“Playspaces bring people together, increase play value and access,” he said.

“They’re places where families meet, children’s imaginations can soar and everyone can enjoy being outdoors.

“These new, modern and renewed playspaces across the region are safe and fun for the community to enjoy, fostering social interaction and connectivity.”

Council will announce the playspaces planned for renewal in 2025-26 later this year.