Play equipment to be removed from three playgrounds

Play equipment is to be removed from three playgrounds on the Peninsula.

It will be replaced with "passive open space", according to Central Coast Council acting director Mr Boris Bolgoff

Mr Bolgoff said that Lentara Rd playground, Brisbane Ave playground and the Ettalong oval playground would all have their equipment removed.

He said the removal followed an audit which found the equipment to be unsafe.

"Most of the parks identified within the audit were already earmarked for replacement or removal," he said.

"In a number of instances these were the last remaining pieces of equipment, and their removal will provide the opportunity for passive open spaces in these locations," he said.

The announcement followed an audit conducted by "an independent authority".

The Peninsula playgrounds are among 14 across the Coast from which play equipment is being removed.

Mr Bolgoff said that the audit was "a necessary measure to ensure the safety of the thousands of people".

"Playgrounds are one of our popular assets, and these audits will ensure that our parks continue to meet Australian standards and keep people safe," he said.

Mayor Cr Jane Smith said that Council's immediate action confirms its commitment to safety and community wellbeing.

"There are over 250 parks on the Central Coast and each and every one must be of a high standard now and into the future," she said.

"First and foremost, it's about quality, and the role of our playgrounds and play spaces to enhance the lives of those who visit them every day.

"In addition to its own program of safety checks, Council regularly facilitates independent and external audits to ensure its play spaces continue to meet Australian standards.

"The immediate removal of the identified equipment is a necessary measure to ensure the sustainability of playgrounds across the local area," Cr Smith said.

SOURCE:

Media release, 16 Feb 2018

Boris Bolgoff, Central Coast Council