We know you love playgrounds, and it’s with great excitement that we share some news!
Central Coast Council will be constructing 11 BRAND NEW PLAYGROUNDS on the Coast over the next 12 months! And in even better news, the works will include the construct of three district playspaces (which means these playgrounds will likely include features such as shade sails and fencing). Scroll down to discover where they’ll be.
As well as this, Council has included 13 new playgrounds in their 2020 Draft Playspace Strategy – more details below.
PLUS, because we know you LOVE PLAYGROUNDS, below we’ve included details (and reviews) of the 18 NEW PLAYGROUNDS that have been completed over the past 12 months and that are open for you to visit right now!
Happy playing!
NEW Parks Being Built in 2020-2021
Here are the playgrounds that have been included in Central Coast Council’s Capital Works Program for 2020-2021, and that will be getting a makeover over the next 12 months:
- Budgewoi, Halekulani Oval| local playspace
- East Gosford, Hylton Moore Oval | local playspace
- Doyalson, Denman St Reserve | local playspace – upgrade and relocation
- Gwandalan, Tunkuwallin Oval | district playspace
- Gwandalan, South Eastern Park | local playspace
- Norah Head, Mazlin Reserve | district playspace
- San Remo, John Pete Howard Reserve | district playspace
- Saratoga, Jirrambah Park | local playspace
- Umina Beach, Australia Ave | nature play
- Umina Beach, Vernon Rd | local playspace
- Woy Woy, Brick Wharf Road Waterfront | local playspace
We’re also pleased to announce that $100,000 has been allocated towards additional inclusive upgrades, which could include things such as softfall groundcover (for easier access), fencing, liberty swings, etc. These upgrades will likely be shared across multiple parks, but the locations of these and the equipment are yet to be determined.
These new parks are in addition to some of the larger ongoing park developments already underway, such as the new regional playground at Sun Valley Drive Green Point, the new Lake Munmorah Recreational facility and the new Gosford waterfront tidal play area (scroll down for more details on each of these playgrounds).
We’ll keep you updated on the progress of the design and build of all of these playgrounds, and will let you know once they’re complete and ready for a play.
FOLLOW PLAYING IN PUDDLES TO DISCOVER THE BEST OF THE CENTRAL COAST FOR KIDS
13 New Playgrounds have been included in the 2020 Draft Central Coast Playspace Strategy
Central Coast Council’s 2020 Draft Central Coast Playspace Strategy is on public exhibition on Council’s website, and it’s great to see that a number of new areas across the Central Coast are being considered for new playgrounds:
- Mooney Mooney, near Deerubbun boat ramp and reserve.
- Yarramalong, Jack Gear Reserve.
- Kariong, Rees Street Reserve
- Forresters Beach, opposite Forresters Beach Rd
- Woongarrah, Hilltop Park (Hakone Rd)
- Warnervale, Virginia Road Park
- Tuggerawong, Tuggerawong Road Reserve (Warner Ave)
- Woongarrah, Ridgetop Park
- Colongra, Colongra Bay Oval
- Gwandalan, Fairwater Drive
- Gwandalan, Tunkuwallin Oval | Includes a playground and skate park
- Doyalson North, Lake Munmorah Playspace
- Colongra, Koala Park
Know of another location that’s in need of a park? Have an idea of what you’d like to see more of? We know you’re all passionate about our playgrounds, so now’s the time to have your say. Jump online here to review Central Coast Council’s proposals and submit your comments and suggestions by 14 August.
UPDATE 14 August 2020. We had previously reported that the playgrounds above would be built over the next 12 months, but we’d like to amend this to say that a time-frame for these has not yet been determined.
18 New parks have been installed across the central coast in the past 12 months!
Eighteen new parks have been designed, developed and built by Central Coast Council in the 2019-2020 financial year. We’ve visited many of them; check out some of these awesome parks below.
Image ©Playing in Puddles.
condula park lisarow
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles
gavenlock oval playground, narara
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Lauren Tierney for Playing in Puddles.
Johns Road Playground, Wadalba
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles
Pinyari Park, Kincumber
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles.
treeline close park, narara
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles
canton beach foreshore playground
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles.
goonak parade park, narara
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles
Fagan Park, Point Clare
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles.
Brisbane Avenue Park, Umina
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles
Archibold Playground, Forresters Beach
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles.
Lentara Road Park, Umina
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Lauren Tierney for Playing in Puddles.
Dalnott Reserve Playground, Gorokan
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Lauren Tierney for Playing in Puddles.
Warnervale Station Park, Warnervale
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles
Shelly Beach Rd, Empire Bay
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Lauren Tierney for Playing in Puddles.
Wallarah Point Peace Park, Gorokan
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles
Walder Crescent, Avoca
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Four additional Local Playspaces have been installed over the past 12 months. Playing in Puddles will be visiting soon and writing reviews. Stay tuned.
- Chain Valley Bay, Sunset Parade Foreshore.
- Halekulani, Arnold Close Reserve.
- Mangrove Mountain, Bloodtree Oval.
- Summerland Point, Boat Harbour.
FOLLOW PLAYING IN PUDDLES TO DISCOVER THE BEST OF THE CENTRAL COAST FOR KIDS
In 2019-2020 the following parks were given mini upgrades
Image ©Playing in Puddles.
Kurraba Oval, Berkely Vale
Upgrade: Shade sails were installed.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles
Rotary Park (Parklife), Terrigal
Upgrade: Shade sails and softfall were installed.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Lauren Tierney for Playing in Puddles.
Mackenzie Reserve, Budgewoi
Upgrade: Liberty swing installed.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles
Saltwater Creek Playspace, Long Jetty
Upgrade: Renewal of softfall groundcover.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles.
Peninsula Recreation Precinct, Umina
Upgrade: New softfall groundcover installed.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles
Terilbah, North Entrance
Upgrade: Concrete pathways and softfall groundcover installed .
Playing in Puddles visited! Review coming soon!
as part of the 2019-2020 playspace strategy, New Playspaces are also currently being built in the following areas:
Two “Regional playspaces” will be coming to:
- Green Point, Sun Valley Park. | Due for completion end 2020. Scroll down to read more about this project.
- Lake Munmorah Recreational Facility. | This area will have an inclusive regional playspace, a skate park, and an active youth space.
Two “District playspaces” are being built at:
- Copacabana (Susan Fahey Park) | Construction is due to commence mid-late 2020.
- Toowoon Bay (Swadling Reserve) | Being built – due for completion August 2020… stay tuned.
Plus don’t forget about the new playground at Gosford Leagues Club Field and the upgrade to Umina’s Recreational Precinct. Scroll down for more details on both of these projects.
Q: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOCAL, DISTRICT AND REGIONAL PLAYSPACES?
Answer from Central Coast Council: Council has developed a hierarchy of playspace types guided by local and state guidelines for open space so that there is a fair distribution and a variety of destination areas for short and extended visits. The hierarchy consists of:
1. Regional playspaces – These are currently the largest of Council’s suite of playspaces which attract and serve people across the whole region and outside areas. They typically have the greatest capacity and variety of equipment and aim to improve inclusion, activation, and social engagement across all ages, abilities and cultural groups. They incorporate a wide array of complimentary facilities including shelters, tables, barbecues, car parking and associated activities such as half-courts, skate areas and bike paths. Examples include Saltwater Creek Park Long Jetty, Peninsula Recreation Precinct Umina, and Canton Beach Community Park.
2. District playspaces – are medium size playspaces which provide for the Social Plan District but may also serve the region with play equipment catering to multiple age groups. They are accessible by bicycle, car, bus and are co-located with other facilities such as parking, toilets, shared paths or sports facilities to maximize use and are fully inclusive. An example is Sohier Park, Ourimbah.
3. Local playspaces – These make up 80% of our playspaces located within local parks. These typically have the least play equipment. They are intended to provide for the local community within walking distance of a 500m radius.
Other Exciting Parks Coming SOON
This is BIG news for the Coast. The NSW Government is developing a park and water playground at Gosford waterfront (see image above). Click here to read Playing in Puddles’ review outlining all details.
PLUS The Peninsula Recreation Precinct at Umina is getting a $8.25 million upgrade to the area’s skate park, BMX track and adjoining recreation areas, thanks to the Federal Government. Check out Playing in Puddles’ review for all details.
Sun Valley Reserve, Green Point. The site of the new regional playground. Image ©Playing in Puddles.
A NEW Regional SUPER-SIZED Playground is coming to Green Point!
We are VERY excited about this one! Expected to be the same size as the Peninsula Recreation Precinct at Umina, a new regional play area is being planned for Green Point’s Sun Valley Reserve. The playground will be located on Sun Valley Road – where the current basketball courts are – opposite Coles Green Point (see pictures of the current site below).
Classified as a ‘Regional Playspace’ suited to a wide range of ages and ability levels, this park will see a $1.8million redevelopment that boasts new play equipment, park furniture, a drinking fountain, connective pathways, landscaping and fencing, as well as an upgrade to the existing amenities building, basketball court and car park.
This new park is going to be game changing for Central Coast locals and we can’t wait to see it get underway.
NEW Parks completed in 2018-2019.
In the 2018-2019 financial year, over $1.5million was invested by Council on renewing and upgrading 18 of our favourite playgrounds. Check out some of these awesome new parks below.
Image ©Playing in Puddles.
Killarney Vale foreshore park
Address: Lucinda Ave, Killarney Vale
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing in Puddles
long jetty foreshore park
Address: Tuggerah Pd, Long Jetty.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing In Puddles
Jarrett Street playground
Address: Jarrett Street, North Gosford.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing In Puddles
Macmasters Beach playground
Address: Benavie Reserve, Macmasters Beach.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing In Puddles
heazlett park, avoca
Address: Avoca Drive, Avoca.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing In Puddles
gosford lions park
Address: Masons Parade, Gosford
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Central Coast Council
Blue Haven Park
Address: Marsden Road, Blue Haven.
Image ©Playing In Puddles
Bateau Bay Mini Park
Address: Anglers Drive, Bateau Bay.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Central Coast Council
JOSHUA PORTER RESERVE PLAY SPACE, CHAIN VALLEY BAY
Address: Joshua Porter Reserve Play Space, Lloyd Avenue, Chain Valley Bay.
Image ©Central Coast Council
NORAVILLE PARK, IRENE PARADE RESERVE
Address: Access via Ocean Parade or Irene Parade, Noraville.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing In Puddles
DINOSAUR FOSSIL PARK (WENDY DRIVE PARK), POINT CLARE
Address: Wendy Drive, Point Clare.
Playing in Puddles visited! Review coming soon.
Image ©Emma Teni for Playing in Puddles
Glenning valley park
Address: Ashwood Close, Glenning Valley.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing In Puddles
Bronzewing Drive, Erina
Address: Bronzewing Drive, Erina.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Image ©Playing In Puddles
SHAUN BRINKLOW PARK, COPACABANA
Address: Cnr Pampas Ave & Copacabana Drive, Copacabana.
Playing in Puddles visited! Review coming soon.
Image ©Playing In Puddles
Lara Close playground, ourimbah
Address: Lara Close, Ourimbah.
Playing in Puddles visited! Review coming soon.
Image ©Central Coast Council
JAMES VALE RESERVE, Mannering Park
Address: James Vale Reserve, Waverley Road, Mannering Park.
Image ©Lauren Tierney for Playing in Puddles.
HILLCREST AVENUE PARK, TACOMA
Address: Hillcrest Avenue, Tacoma.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our full review here.
Want to see all of Playing in Puddles' Park Reviews?
Questions with Council
At Playing in Puddles we know there are a few key features parents and carers hope to find at parks: shade, fencing, toilets, accessible equipment (and coffee) are the main items on the wish list! Why aren’t all of these things included in every new park design? We asked Council if they could let us know.
Q: WHY DON’T ALL PLAYgrounds HAVE SHADE STRUCTURES?
Central Coast Council: Shade structures are included at all regional and district playspaces in the areas of the park that are most essential – such as toddlers’ areas. They are not generally included in local playspaces. Council uses natural shade within playspace design via existing trees or the planting of mature trees. Shade structures or tree planting are not always possible at every location due site constraint such as impacts upon surrounding properties etc. and the high incidence of vandalism and cost of maintenance of shades structures. In line with Cancer Council recommendations it is recommended to visit playspaces mornings and afternoons and not at the hottest time of the day (in the middle of the day) and to always be wear sun-safe clothing such as long sleeves and hats.
Q: WHY aren't ALL PLAYgrounds near roads and waterways fully FENCEd?
Central Coast Council: Risk assessments are undertaken during the development of concept plans for playspace sites to ensure adequate measures are put in place for the safety of the community and users of the area. Partial fencing is occasionally included for playspaces if considered too close to a hazard, such as a main road or water body at ten metres or less. However, the fence does not replace the need for parental supervision at all times, especially around all bodies of water. Regional level playspaces will incorporate a fencing if assessed as a need for a specific use.
Q: Why can't rubber softfall be used for all play spaces?
Central Coast Council: Sand, mulch, synthetic grass (with attenuation) and rubber softfall are the four identified choices for playground surfacing that meet Australian Standard requirements to minimise risk and injury. Each choice has its positive and negative attributes. Rubber softfall provides a stable and level surface ensuring the area is accessible, however it has a relatively low lifespan, high installation cost and holds heat during summer months. Mulch softfall and sand are generally less expensive than rubber but requires regular maintenance and topping up. Often these surfaces are a cooler surface than rubber softfall. Council uses both rubber and mulch softfall in most playspace areas to balance between functionality and cost effectiveness. The rubber softfall is typically used in high wear areas and the areas of the playspace that require accessible connections between the different equipment and back to other pathways around the facility.
Q: WHY ARE THERE PUBLIC TOILETS AT SOME Parks AND NOT OTHERS?
Central Coast Council: The need for and locations new parks and facilities are generally determined through the planning process and guided by existing planning policies and strategies which have considered the current and future needs of the community. Locations for new playspace facilities are determined by assessing a number of key criteria and the availability and size of land It’s certainly a key consideration for Council that we provide our region with well-maintained and activated sport, leisure and recreation facilities to support healthy lifestyles and connected communities for the benefit of all residents. The physical location of playspaces and how they are spatially distributed across the region are important in determining how well they’re used. Council aims to ensure that there is a network of well designed, inclusive, enjoyable appropriately sited playspaces that provide diversity in play experiences. The location is determined by the availability of existing quality open space to support the inclusion of a playspace facility that meets the design requirements.
Q: HOW ARE THE LOCATIONS OF NEW PLAYSPACE FACILITIES DETERMINED?
Central Coast Council: The co-location of other facilities such as pathways for accessibility and public toilets are considered when selecting locations for new playspaces. Regional playspaces are generally designed to include public amenities buildings where they don’t already exist.are important in determining how well they’re used. Council aims to ensure that there is a network of well designed, inclusive, enjoyable appropriately sited playspaces that provide diversity in play experiences. The location is determined by the availability of existing quality open space to support the inclusion of a playspace facility that meets the design requirements.
Q: What about the North?
Central Coast Council: The Northern end of the Coast has seen a number of playspaces newly built or renewed, and in the last 12 months there has been an equal amount of playspaces constructed in the north and southern areas (9 out of the 18).
New playspaces completed during financial year 2019-20 located in the northern areas:
1. Bateau Bay Mini Park, Anglers Drive, accessible through pathway
2. Blue Haven, Marsden Rd
3. Chain Valley Bay, Joshua Porter Reserve Play Space, Lloyd Ave
4. Glenning Valley, Ashwood Close
5. Killarney Vale Foreshore Lucinda Ave
6. Long Jetty Foreshore, Tuggreah Pd, (end Elsiemer Rd)
7. Mannering Park, James Vale Reserve, Waverley Rd
8. Noraville, Irene Parade Reserve, access via Ocean Pde or Irene Parade
9. Ourimbah, Lara Close
In this current financial year, we will continue to invest in quality, inclusive and engaging play spaces across our region (FY2019-20).
The north will receive two district playspaces at Toowoon Bay (Swadling Reserve) and also Gorokan (Wallarah Point Peace Park), plus seven local playspaces will be constructed at Canton Beach, Chain Valley Bay, Sunset Parade Foreshore, Gorokan, Dalnott Reserve, Halekulani, Arnold Close Reserve, Mangrove Mountain, Bloodtree Oval, Summerland Point, Boat Harbour, and Warnervale, Warnervale Station.
We’re on the Playspaces Advisory Committee
We’re excited to share that Playing in Puddles’ founding editor Katie Stokes has been appointed by Central Coast Council as a Community Representative of the Playspaces Advisory Committee for 2019-2020.
Katie joined this group as Playing in Puddles gets a lot of feedback from you – our readers – about what you like and don’t like about our local parks, and we wanted to help get your voices heard.
Please email us your queries and we’ll try our best to answer them: [email protected]
Check out some of our favourite parks from around the world
Monstrum playground in Espergærde, Denmark. Image ©Monstrum.
Here at Playing in Puddles we’ll travel a long way to visit a fantastic park. We’ve been doing some research and have found some absolutely awesome playgrounds around the world. Add these to your bucket list.
The Pod Playground, Canberra. Image ©TLC
Wulaba Park, Waterloo. Image ©City of Sydney
Monstrum playground in China. Image ©Monstrum.
Oatley Park playground. Image ©The Leader
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