Consultation opens on Umina playground 'refresh'

Central Coast Council has opened public consultation on its plans to "refresh" playground equipment at the Recreation Precinct in Umina.

The consultation coincides with a wider consultation for a review of its Play Space Strategy

The recreation precinct consultation webpage identifies four areas that would be affected.

A "circular bike path" to the west of the kiosk would be replaced with a "mammoth 360-degree nest swing".

Council staff would be removing a "bike roller bridge".

In the second area, immediately in front of the kiosk, the shade structure, a paperbark tree, internal concrete paths and an old water refill station would all be "renewed".

An accessible swing would be installed, replacing the carousel with a renewed wheelchair accessible version.

Double bay swings would be added near the concrete wall.

Trees would be "pruned" to improve visibility and safety.

In the third area, the ropes in the main rope play equipment would be "restored".

A new double bay 25-metre accessible flying fox would be included for tandem racing.

The fourth area, the junior play area, would be "revitalised and expanded" with a pirate/nautical theme.

The consultation asks about possiblities for this area, including a small multi-level play unit, an interactive panel, a sensory wall, a three-bay swing, accessible rockers and accessible seesaws.

The public is invited to tell project manager Mr Heath Boase by emailing heath.boase@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au "how you want to jump, climb, swing and slide in the renewed space".

The consultation page said the council was "renewing the Umina playspace to better reflect what our community wants and needs".

"This well-loved space is a hub for play, fitness and social connection."

Council staff said they wanted to make it even better.

Construction was planned for 2027.

The area was described as "more than just equipment", with multigenerational spaces that support active lifestyles and community wellbeing.

It stated: "Design of playspaces considers the context, including nearby facilities, current and future demographics and embraces a 'whole of park' approach so that playspaces are inclusive, accessible, intergenerational, creative and minimise maintenance."

However, details of these factors are not mentioned, despite the council forecasting in several places on its website and in its strategies that the Peninsula is targeted for a 60 per cent increase in population over the next 10 years.

"Within the design process, the important factors essential to the successful development of new and existing playspaces for the Central Coast are consideration of community input through specific or previous community engagement activities, site planning, inclusion, accessibility, 'whole of park' principles, play value, compliance and longevity.

"Council has a professional team that prepares, and reviews individual designs based on these principles."

The public exhibition is open until Sunday, December 21.

The consultation would include an "on-site pop-up event" from 10am to 12pm on Tuesday, November 25.

Comments may be made on an interactive map on the council's Your Voice Our Coast website.

SOURCE:

Website, 16 Nov 2025

Your Voice Our Coast

Change rooms expected to open in December

New change rooms at the Peninsula Leisure Centre are expected to reopen in December, ready for the holiday season, according Cr Jared Wright.

"Many in the Peninsula area are keen to see the new change rooms open at the Peninsula Leisure Centre," he said.

"The program of works has included full demolition, removal of outdated fittings and fixtures and necessary structural repairs.

"Progress was delayed due to unforeseen issues with structural walls.

"However, the project is now advancing rapidly.

"Tiling is expected to be completed this week, with fit-out and commissioning scheduled shortly thereafter.

"Other change rooms in the facility have been unaffected, and the Pool has remained open during this period, with facility disruption kept to a minimum.

"The Peninsula Leisure Centre is certainly an important asset for our community.

"I have very fond memories of doing my school swimming carnivals there.

"It is also well used for things like squad swimming, recovery sessions, water polo and the iconic waterslide.

"I remain committed to looking at how we can better utilise the facility and get more people in the door.

"There really is something for everyone there."

SOURCE:

Media release, 13 Nov 2025

Jared Wright, Central Coast Council