Families across the Central Coast now have even more places to play, connect and enjoy the outdoors, with Central Coast Council delivering a new district-level playspace in Tuggerawong and completing 13 local playspace renewals across the region.

These projects are part of Council’s 2024-25 playspace renewal schedule, which forms part of a 20-year program to sustainably manage the lifecycle of more than 270 playspaces across the region.

Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the program focuses on creating safe, inclusive and innovative playspaces that promote active and healthy lifestyles.

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

The new district-level playspace at Tuggerawong has transformed the former community hall site into a vibrant space for all ages. 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 unique mouse house. New shade shelters, seating and a water station near the shared pathway have also been added.

A district-level playspace at Picnic Point, The Entrance, was also completed as part of the 2024-25 schedule, alongside 13 local playspace and fitness renewals across the region:

• Bateau Bay – Apex Park
• Bateau Bay – Debra Anne Drive (fitness equipment)
• Budgewoi – Woodland Parkway
• Chittaway Bay – Lions Park (fitness equipment)
• Erina – Syd Sherar Reserve (reinstatement of play equipment)
• Gorokan – Arlington Reserve (nature play)
• Halekulani – Carmel Avenue Reserve
• Killarney Vale – Adelaide Street Oval
• Kingfisher Shores – Kingfisher Reserve
• Lake Munmorah – Patrick Kelly Reserve
• Long Jetty – Jubilee Oval
• Tascott – Murrumbooee Place
• Yarramalong – Jack Gear Reserve

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

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

“Playspaces bring people together, increase play value and access. They’re places where families meet, children’s imaginations can soar and everyone can enjoy being outdoors,” Mayor McKinna said.

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

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

These projects cost $1.29 million, 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.

To learn more, go to new and renewed playspaces 2024-25.