Playground opens at Patonga

A new playground has opened at Patonga on the eastern side of the Patonga foreshore, opposite the oval.

The area includes picnic tables, a swing set, swinging nest and linked play equipment.

Central Coast mayor Cr Jane Smith said the new playground would act as a new attraction for both residents and the tourist community when visiting the seaside village.

"This new playground provides a bonus for the kids and families who visit the area and helps promote a healthy outdoor lifestyle in the fresh air," she said.

Not all residents are happy with the new playground though with some questioning why Council removed the pre-existing swing set from the foreshore.

Council's director Mr Scott Cox said that Council was committed to providing safe quality play spaces for the local community.

"In 2018, Council commissioned an independent audit of all play spaces across the Central Coast to assist with future planning and identify any safety and compliance issues that were required to be addressed.

"A number of sites were considered non-compliant and required the removal of existing equipment including the swing sets that were previously located on the foreshore.

"Council staff worked closely with the local community throughout design development for the new playground to ensure their needs were considered while still delivering a safe, functional play space that complies with current Australian Standards," he said.

SOURCE:

Media statements, 16 Jul 2019

Jane Smith, Central Coast Council

Scott Cox, Central Coast Council