Five playgrounds to go by June

Gosford Council has announced it will remove five local playgrounds before June.

The decision to remove these playgrounds was made to ensure that Council would provide better quality, safer, sustainable play areas for the community into the future, according to open space and leisure services manager Mr Phil Moore.

The playgrounds are at Solstice Place in St Huberts Island; Panorama Park on Kingsview Dr, Umina; at Woy Woy Oval on Austin Butler access; Carrington Ave in Woy Woy and Correa Bay Reserve on Woy Woy Rd.

Mr Moore said that these removals would allow Council to better service the remaining playgrounds across the LGA.

"There is currently a number of maintenance requirements at a majority of these playgrounds with damaged, declining equipment needing urgent repair or replacement.

"These maintenance costs along with safety concerns outlined in the Gosford City Playground Strategy identify playground removal as being in the best interest of the community.

"As a result we will now be able to better maintain other playgrounds across the LGA.

"While these playgrounds will not be replaced, each park will remain a passive open space for the community to enjoy," said Mr Moore.

Media Release, 2 Feb 2012 Phil Moore, Gosford Council Photo: Naomi Bridges