Media release ignores facts of playground strategy
Central Coast Council justified its decision in June to remove the Pelican Park playground, without acknowledging that just a month earlier it had adopted a 20-year strategy which identified it as one of the parks to be retained.
The strategy made no mention of a playground in Anderson Park or the demolition of the Pelican Park playground or its relocation to Anderson Park.
However, a media release by Council Administrator Mr Rik Hart issued on Saturday, June 26, claimed the new Anderson Park playground "reflects the recently-adopted Central Coast playspace strategy developed with community input".
He said it would complement the soon-to-be-completed Woy Woy Wharf opposite this reserve and the periodic events held at this foreshore site, such as markets and other community activities.
The media release suggested the relocation had been planned "since October 2019".
"The completion of this new playspace has been timed to coincide with the unfortunate need to soon remove the ageing but much-loved playground unit 75 metres away at Pelican Park," he said.
"This removal is required due to a safety audit showing that the equipment no longer meets current Australian safety standards.
"With the roots of the adjoining mature tree continuing to cause safety hazards, this site was not suitable for a new playspace to be built.
"However, the site of the existing Pelican Park playground will remain as a public open space area, with the existing shaded picnic tables and fencing to remain and the area that currently has the play equipment being freshly turfed."
Mr Hart said the Council had been improving Woy Woy Town Centre for the community and have been in discussions with local businesses and residents on plans since October 2019.
However, at the council meeting, the following Tuesday, June 29, Mr Hart decided to put the playground demolition on hold "to enable further consultation and engagement with the broader community".
The Central Coast branch of the Australian Conservation Foundation has called for details of the reports which led to the proposal to demolish the Pelican Park playground.
SOURCE:
Media release, 26 Jun 2021
Rik Hart, Central Coast Council