Central Coast Playgrounds, Playspaces and Parks + a map

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).