We asked the community to share their thoughts on local parks and playgrounds. More than 340 people responded. Here’s what we learned:

• Playgrounds need upgrading – People want better, more modern equipment that caters to different ages and abilities.
• Safety is a priority – Fencing around play areas and improved lighting were frequently suggested.
• Toilets need work – Many noted that facilities are outdated and in need of upgrades.
• More shade – Shade in play areas and along paths was a recurring theme.
• Maintenance is going okay – Most people were generally satisfied with park cleanliness and upkeep.
• Parks are well used – Many residents visit their local park weekly or even daily.

Overall, people told us they want more from their parks — more fun, more inclusive experiences, and better spaces to gather. The Parks & Playgrounds Review outlines specific actions to help bring these ideas to life in each precinct.

During the May 2025 Open Space Plan consultation, Council gathered extensive community feedback through an online survey, social media promotions, postcards, posters, school newsletters, and an in‑person roadshow across Penguin, Forth, West Ulverstone, and Ulverstone.

Overall, the feedback showed strong community support for Central Coast’s open spaces, but also a clear desire for improvements. Below are the key themes.

1. Strong desire for greener, well‑shaded Spaces

• More trees, green spaces, and landscaping
• Nature‑based play

2. More inclusive, modern playgrounds

• Playgrounds for all ages (toddlers, primary‑aged kids, teens, adults)
• Fenced toddler zones in larger parks
• Nature‑based play rather than bright plastics

3. Upgrades to Park Infrastructure

• More BBQs, shelter, and seating
• Better path networks and improved surfacing
• More accessible toilet facilities
• Public water stations and beach showers

4. Safety and Maintenance Concerns

• Better lighting along pathways and in parks
• Improved playground surfacing (preference for soft fall over bark)
• Cleaner, better‑maintained open spaces

5. Protecting Green Spaces (Strong Opposition to Loss of Land)

• Clear resistance to selling or subdividing public green spaces
• A desire for upgrades—not reductions—to existing parks

6. Cohesive Design and Local Character

• Consistent, high‑quality design across the municipality
• Natural materials instead of bright plastic
• Strengthening local identity through design and plantings

What’s Great About This Area?

• Major sites: West Beach Reserve, Legion Park, Tobruk Park
• Facilities: playgrounds, barbecues, trails, river access

Proposed Actions:

• Create a community garden near West Beach.
• Markm Court Reserve and Off Hearps Road to remain as a passive open space to provide ongoing stormwater detentions to the upstream developments.
• Explore the potential disposal of the following open spaces as surplus public land:
  • Burnett Crescent Reserve
• Explore the potential to relocate the Picnic Point playground equipment to West Beach Reserve.
• Convert Highfield Crescent to passive open space.
• Provide additional equipment at Legion Park to provide access to all abilities.
• Establish a playground at the River Park Recreation Ground to cater for the increased developments occurring south of South Road and families attending events at the ground.
• Investigate the interest for a public group/committee to manage the landscaping and maintenance of the ZigZag track off Clara Street.
• Develop and implement a Shared Pathway Masterplan.
• Replace ageing equipment such as seats and tables across the precinct, specifically including replacement playground equipment at:
  • Roland View Reserve
  • Legion Park Reserve

What’s Great About This Area?

• Key open spaces: Fairway Park, Bicentennial Park, ANZAC Park, Shropshire Park, and Pedros Park.
• Skate Park, Pump and Jump Track, outdoor gyms, playgrounds, tennis centre, and community event hub.
• Coastal pathway connects walking and cycling routes.

Proposed Precinct Actions:

• Develop the precinct to better integrate recreation and active transport.
• Ensure that any future subdivision of 112 Trevor Street, Ulverstone provides a parcel of land as a public open space contribution. The Council must then provide a local level open space.
• Establish a local park nature reserve at the Gravel Hill Reserve. It is also recommended that the Council subdivide the land to create a residential lot adjacent to the local open space.
• Establish a local level park on the public open space provided as part of subdivision off Henslowes Road, Ulverstone.
• Increase the McCulloch Street park size from land donated from the Rawsons Street subdivision and upgrade the playground equipment.
• Explore the potential disposal of the following open spaces as surplus public land:
  • Travers Place Reserve
  • Hope Street Reserve
  • Allambie Crescent Playground
  • Eastland Drive (partial disposal only)
  • Smith Street playground
  • Spencer Street (Frog Lane);
• Adopt a master planning approach for the future development of Bicentennial Park with an aim to upgrade layout, add flexible spaces, and improve facilities with a focus on a First Nations Cultural Hub.
• Adopt a master planning approach for the future development of Anzac Park.
• Develop and implement an Improvement Plan for the Ulverstone General Cemetery.
• Replace ageing equipment such as seats and tables across the precinct, specifically including replacement playground equipment at:
  • ANZAC Park
  • Bicentennial Park
  • Fairway Park
  • Thomas Street Playground
  • Lions Park
  • Hope Street Playground (subject to community consultation on suggested disposal)
  • Smith Street Playground (subject to community consultation on suggested disposal)
  • Frog Lane/Spencer Street (subject to community consultation on suggested disposal)
• Finalise and Implement the Fairway Park Master Plan.
• Develop and implement a Shared Pathway Masterplan.

What’s Great About This Area?

• Local parks like Whittle Street Reserve, Ashwater Crescent, Penguin Beach Playground
• Larger spaces such as Johnsons Beach Reserve and Hiscutt Park offer family-friendly facilities and sports amenities
• Good spread of parks within walking distance of most homes

Proposed Precinct Actions:

• Explore the reclassification as a passive site, or potential disposal of Adina Court.
• Upgrade Ashwater Crescent.
• Subdivide the Whittle Street Reserve to create two residential lots and retain the balance of land as local open space.
• Establish a local park on the public open space provided as part of Penguin Heights subdivision Ironcliffe Road, Penguin.
• Develop a Hiscutt Park Masterplan and review safety risk of the pond.
• Develop and implement a Shared Pathway Masterplan.
• Replace ageing equipment such as seats and tables across the precinct, specifically including replacement playground equipment at:
  • Whittle Street Reserve
  • Johnsons Beach Reserve

What’s Great:

• Sulphur Creek Hall Reserve is the main park in the area. It has a playground, toilets, seating, picnic area, community garden, and outdoor gym equipment.
  Coastal reserves like Dunkies and Hall Point offer beach access, sea views, and places to sit and relax.
• A shared walking and cycling path connects Sulphur Creek to Penguin and is well used by the community.

Proposed Precinct Actions:

• Upgrade Sulphur Creek Hall Reserve with BBQs, shade, and fencing around the playground to improve safety.
• Consider closing the Sulphur Creek boat ramp at Dunkies Reserve due to safety concerns and its proximity to alternative ramps at Penguin and Heybridge.
• Develop and implement a Shared Pathway Masterplan.
• Replace ageing playground equipment at:
  • Sulphur Creek Hall Reserve

What’s Great About This Area?

• Key local parks: H.W. Braid Reserve, West End Park, East End Park, and Turners Beach Recreation Ground.
• Continuation of the shared pathway linking Turners Beach and Leith.
• Good open space coverage, especially in the northern part of Turners Beach.

Proposed Precinct Actions:

• Create a new local park in Leith, particularly east of the Forth River, where open space is limited.
• Explore the potential disposal of the Grooms Street Reserve as nearby parks provide sufficient space.
• Undertake an upgrade of the H.W. Braid Reserve with shade, seating, BBQs and inclusive play equipment.
• Downgrade the Leith Road and Logan Street boat ramps to unclassified open space.
• Investigate a location for a dog park.
• Develop and implement a Shared Pathway Masterplan.
• Replace ageing equipment such as seats and tables across the precinct, specifically including replacement playground equipment at:
  • Turners Beach Recreation Ground
  • H Braid Reserve
  • Turners Beach Hall Playground

What’s Great About This Area?

• Key sites: Blythe Heads Hall Playground, Sice Avenue Reserve, and Heybridge Recreation Ground (used for football and cricket).
• The Blythe River boat ramp provides valuable water access.
• Conservation areas support local wildlife and offer nature-based recreation.

Regional recreation needs are met by nearby Penguin, with parks like Dial Park and Hiscutt Park just 10–15 minutes away.

Proposed Precinct Actions:

• Investigate moving the fire station playground to the Recreation Ground for better community use.
• Explore community interest in a new playground near Allegra Drive.
• Keep the Blythe River boat ramp available for public use.
• Work with the Heybridge Improvement Association to develop and maintain the equipment provided in the Blythe Heads Hall Reserve.
• Provide a local open space along Allegra Drive if desired by local community.
• Replace ageing equipment such as seats and tables across the precinct.

What’s Great About This Area?

• Key sites: Forth Recreation Ground (playground and facilities) and Forth Bridge Reserve (picnic area).
• Schools in Forth and Sprent provide community access to play areas.

Proposed Precinct Actions:

• Consider if Council should provide a local level playground in Sprent.
• Replace ageing equipment such as seats and tables across the precinct.
• Provide future playground services (if supported) at Forth Recreation Ground by:
  • Undertaking an assessment of the existing equipment for suitability and acceptable standard.
  • Increasing equipment for young children.
  • Providing all access/abilities play equipment.
  • Providing shade over play equipment.
  • Assessing options for fitness equipment.
  • Replace ageing equipment.
  • Investigate provision of off-leash dog exercise park

What’s Great About This Area?

• Key sites: North Motton Reserve, J.R. Lee Memorial Park, Bannons Park, North Motton Equestrian Complex, and Leven Canyon Reserve
• Popular Bannons Park and Leven Canyon attract many visitors

Proposed Precinct Actions:

• Council to undertake investigations within the Gawler community to determine the level of interest in the provision of a local level open space at the Gawler Hall site.
• Add a small playground at Bannons Park.
• Reduce over-supplied amenities in some local parks over time.
• Replace ageing equipment such as seats and tables across the precinct, specifically including replacement playground equipment at:
  • North Motton Reserve

What’s Great About This Area?

• Key recreational areas: Dial Range Mountain biking areas Pioneer Park.
• 50+ km of trails for walking, biking, and horse riding, including the Penguin-Cradle Trail and Winterbrook Falls Walk.
• Regional open spaces in nearby Penguin and Ulverstone.

Proposed Precinct Actions

• The former South Riana Recreation Ground is surplus land, as current open spaces meet needs.
• Improve mountain biking access and facilities.
• Work with the Riana Pioneer Tourist Association to maintain and improve the social/family recreation infrastructure provided in Pioneer Park.
• Implement actions from the Dial Range Recreation Management Plan.
• Replace ageing equipment such as seats and tables across the precinct.