Council director Ms Melanie Smith said the strategy was "developed to support and promote active and healthy lifestyles, and increase participation in outdoor recreation and sport, with greater diversity in offerings".

"With the anticipated population growth expected for the Central Coast, this framework will provide for the supply and development of adequate open spaces, such as parks, reserves and sportsgrounds, and ensure they are well-designed, inclusive, and accessible," Ms Smith said.

She said it would also ensure culture, heritage and environmental significance was considered in the planning and design of public open space.

"The strategy identifies sport and recreation action plans that need to be reviewed or developed to ensure that sport, recreation and physical activity opportunities on the Central Coast will be well planned and actioned in a timely manner."

Council Administrator Mr Rik Hart said the draft Open Space Strategy had been developed with input from the public and key groups.

"Extensive community consultation was undertaken in 2021, when the project was known as the Active Lifestyles Strategy, with 438 people participating in a survey.

"The Central Coast is blessed with an abundance of beautiful open space areas, and I encourage everyone to jump online to check out the draft Strategy and tell us what you think."

Results of the Active Lifestyle Survey in 2021 showed that of the 438 respondents, more than 75 per cent were long-term residents of the Central Coast (10-plus years), predominantly in the 35-59 age group, and the three most popular sporting categories were: mountain biking (57 per cent), swimming (49 per cent) and walking (49 per cent).

Ms Smith said: "Of the range of reasons preventing people from increasing or participating in an activity, the most frequent response was lack of available facilities.

"The facilities rated as the most important attractors for local parks, reserves and trails, were bike and walking tracks, access to amenities and parking, and a good quality activity surface.

"With an ageing population there will be an increase in self-directed exercise and recreation such as walking and cycling.

"This places a greater focus on use of parks and beaches, and active transport links with, and connectivity to residential areas," Ms Smith continued.

"The strategy has been drafted to reflect these needs and ensure adequate and quality sports and recreation facilities and supporting infrastructure to encourage active lifestyles in open spaces."

Future planning for natural areas, aquatic and leisure centres, community halls, individual sport and mountain biking in natural areas and land not managed by Council, was excluded from the scope of this strategy, she said.

Members of the public are invited to view the draft Open Space Strategy and provide their feedback via the online submission form at yourvoiceourcoast.com by 5pm, Friday 20 September.

SOURCE:

Media Release, 22 Aug 2024

Melanie Smith, Central Coast Council.

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