Playground strategy goes on exhibition

Gosford Council has resolved to place its draft Gosford City Playground Strategy on public exhibition after more than two years of consultation with the Gosford Regional Playground Committee.

The strategy is expected to provide for a regional playground at Umina.

According to a council report, the Playground Strategy demonstrates council's "commitment to providing high quality, sustainable and accessible recreation facilities for the whole community".

It provides for playgrounds and play spaces within the Gosford LGA that meet Australian standards and public expectations up until 2025

A cost of approximately $13 million is estimated for council to provide the local community with playground facilities throughout the Gosford LGA that "meet Australian Safety Standards, encourage imaginative, active, safe and challenging play for users of all ages and abilities".

This funding would be required over the next 25 years and would be funded through avenues including Section 94 funds, grants and the council's capital works program.

The strategy was created with the assistance of a Playground Committee consisting of Cr Vicki Scott, Cr Chris Holstein, council's parks development planner Mr Terry Arnold, council's parks, playgrounds and foreshores coordinator Ms Kylie Yeend and six community members.

Submissions will be received up to 14 days after the closing of the public exhibition period.

A letter will be sent to all primary schools, childcare centres and progress associations in the local government area informing them that the draft strategy will be on public exhibition.

It will also be requested that they include this detail in their newsletters.

Council agenda SF.27, 3 Jun 2008