Council decides to retain Pelican Park playground
Central Coast Council has yielded to community pressure and has decided to retain the playground at Pelican Park in Woy Woy.
It is now seeking community submissions on three design concepts for the playground.
They are for nature play, for "traditional play" or to retain the existing pirate theme.
"It was very clear to us during the 2020 community consultation period that Pelican Park is highly valued by the people of the Peninsula, and the broader community," said Council's. recreation director Ms Melanie Smith.
"This is why we have gone back to the drawing board to develop workable options for the site to be both safe and fun into the future especially around the issue of the tree roots."
Built in 1999, the popular waterfront playground had reached the end of its design life and was slated to be closed two years ago due to safety concerns.
The new designs would ensure the much-loved park would remain in use for many years to come, she said.
The three design concepts which will be on display until 5pm on Friday, June 16.
A full design of the chosen concept would be exhibited to the public early next year, said Ms Smith.
The first option is a nature play theme, which retains all existing vegetation but does not include rubberised soft fall.
The second option retains the existing pirate play theme with a reduced playspace envelope to comply with standards for play equipment fall zones, and to keep clear of existing tree roots. All vegetation is retained with this option.
The third option is "traditional play", removing the swamp cypress for a larger playground footprint with climbing, spinning and sculptural elements.
This option would need additional funding, which may be diverted from the Woy Woy Lions District playspace upgrade project.
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch welcomed the "community victory".
A petition to save the park, organised by Ms Tesch after hearing of its planned demolition in 2021, gained 6000 signatures in just 48 hours.
She said the NSW Labor Government had committed $180,000 for the upgrade of Pelican Park.
"Pelican Park is an icon of the Woy Woy town centre, bringing together families and community members to enjoy our beautiful Brisbane Water environment.
Further detail of the Pelican Park concept designs can be found on the Council's Your Voice Our Coast website.
SOURCE:
Media release, 18 May 2023
Melanie Smith, Central Coast Council