Children at Central Coast Council’s Education and Care Centre’s located at Umina and Niagara Park are now able to enjoy upgraded playground facilities thanks to $122,500 of Stronger Communities Funding and $15,000 provided through the Community Building Partnership (CBP) Program.

Ageing equipment and surfaces were replaced at both facilities creating a more colourful and engaging outdoor area to inspire curiosity and creative play, helping children thrive.

Council Mayor Jane Smith said the new features have transformed the weathered and worn areas in to a more stimulating environment helping to make learning fun.

“We are committed to providing the highest quality services possible for our community,” Mayor Smith said.

“These changes will have enormous benefits for the children at the Umina and Niagara Park Centres enabling them to learn and explore in a renewed, age appropriate and creative play space.

“We are incredibly thankful for these funds which allowed us to improve these facilities to help children and their families participate in safe creative play spaces.

“Play is crucial to the healthy growth and development of children, and by providing these more appealing and motivating spaces, children will be driven to safely test their developing skills and challenge their physical, cognitive, language and social skill sets.”

Upgrades to the facilities included resurfacing softfall areas, decking repairs to improve safety and beautify the areas, replacement of shade structures, new turf and native plants.

Stronger Communities Fund was provided by the NSW Government to Council following the successful amalgamation in 2016 in order to deliver projects that improve infrastructure and services, as voted on and prioritised by the community.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Scot MacDonald MLC said the play space funding was part of $10 million provided to Central Coast Council under the Stronger Communities Funding to help deliver key projects and infrastructure for the rapidly growing region.

“The exciting thing about these grants for me is seeing wonderful community projects like this one, come to fruition,’’ Mr MacDonald said.

“Upgraded play spaces like these are the perfect example of that money put to good use.

“These funds are enabling us to invest in projects that the communities themselves have identified and have ownership of.’’

The CBP Program funding went towards works at Niagara Park Children's Centre Playground to address safety and WHS requirements enabling a safe play space for children.

“Before school education and care is really important and I’m delighted to be able to support Council’s fantastic not-for-profit child care centres,” David Mehan MP Member for The Entrance said.

Council own and operate eight not-for-profit child care centres across the Coast, with all fees directed straight back into the centre’s resources.

Limited spaces are now available at Niagara Park and Umina Centres. To enrol or organise a tour of any of Council’s child care centres call 4350 5181 or fill in the enquiry form at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/childcare.

This week is Local Government Week celebrating the power of community and the diverse range of services Council provides offers that are important to people’s lives. #lgweek2018