Park to be renamed in honour of wartime airstrip

A park in Trafalgar Ave, Woy Woy, is to be renamed Runway Park in recognition of the wartime airstrip that ran the length of Trafalgar Ave, according to Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks.

Ms Lucy Wicks told the House of Representatives: "Trafalgar Park is undergoing a transformation, that will reveal a snapshot of the Central Coast's history, and I'm pleased to announce the Federal Government's support for this initiative," Ms Wicks said.

"Funding from the Stronger Communities Program will help our community advocates and volunteers on the Peninsula uncover more of our rich history, led by the Umina Community Group," she said.

The Government has committed $10,000 to assist with the park's refurbishment.

"This ensures all three levels of government are supporting the project, thanks to investments from the NSW Government and Central Coast Council," Ms Wicks said.

She described Trafalgar Park as a small pocket of land in Umina but the project aimed to rename the space Runway Park, and tell the story that links to the region's wartime history.

"Steve Spillard, a passionate local resident and historian, told me that during the Second World War, the RAAF constructed an airfield in Umina.

"The main runway ran along what we now know as Trafalgar Ave, stretching from McMasters Rd to Oxford St, with adjoining streets used as taxiways.

"The runway was a truly local project, with sandstone from nearby Mt Ettalong and gravel from a quarry at Killcare.

"Residents described the gravel as a deep red, and the runway later earned its name as The Red Runway.

"Throughout the war, it's believed many British and American crews utilised the airstrip.

"Umina locals have recalled that American bomber crew would land, and then settle in the surrounding areas, with one entire crew liking the area so much they stayed.

"The air strip declined in use during the 1940s as the area became predominantly residential.

"But that didn't stop an incident in 1950, when a pilot lost control of his Tiger Moth biplane in a gust of strong wind.

"Incredible newspaper clips from that time show how lucky the 21 year old pilot was to stay alive, as the plane crash landed onto the roof of a home on Nelson Ave.

"He escaped with shock and slight concussion.

"Now, almost 70 years on, the runway, in a new way, is making a comeback, through this project to upgrade the park and recognise its place in local history.

"Mr Rod Unsworth, the vice president of the Umina Community Group, told me that excavation work has just begun.

"Community involvement includes the planting of shrubs and trees, and the plans are that park will be fitted with play equipment, seating and shade areas.

"There is even the occasional glimpse of that famous red gravel from Killcare Quarry as it's unearthed during construction," Ms Wicks said.

The design has been developed by a local landscape designer and volunteer, Mr David Duncan.

"It's hoped that when finished, Runway Park will be a delightful place to be enjoyed by local families, knowing with pride that the community made it happen," she said.

Ms Wicks recognised the work of Tony Winch, Rod Unsworth, Julie Aitchison, Darrell Pannowitz, Melissa Chandler, Mark Nitsos, Debbie Sunartha and other community members who have continued to work hard to see this project become a reality.

"And, of course, I commend the investment of the Federal, State and Local Governments in backing this project," Ms Wicks said.

Email, 15 Sep 2016

Tim Sowden, Office of Lucy Wicks