Central Coast Council's Open Space Plan looks at how parks, playgrounds and open spaces are distributed across Turners Beach and Leith, and whether they are meeting current and future community needs.

Overall, the area already has a number of local parks and open spaces close together, as well as access to larger recreation spaces nearby. The plan proposes keeping and improving the spaces that are most needed, while reducing duplication where several small reserves serve the same area.

What is proposed

Council is proposing to:

• Upgrade H.W. Braid Reserve with shade, seating, BBQs and inclusive play equipment so it can better serve the growing community, particularly on the southern side of the Bass Highway
• Continue to support East End Park and West End Park as important coastal spaces that provide beach access, amenities and picnic facilities
• Replace ageing park furniture and playground equipment at Turners Beach Recreation Ground and H.W. Braid Reserve
• Relocate the older Turners Beach Hall playground to Turners Beach Recreation Ground, while keeping an enclosed sandpit area at the Hall for hall users
• Reinstate and expand the old car park near the Hall to help replace parking removed along the Esplanade following the shared pathway works
• Continue investigating a suitable location for a dog park
• Develop and implement a Shared Pathway Masterplan
• Investigate whether Customs Reserve can be included in the existing foreshore lease

Proposed changes to some sites

Some changes are proposed because several small open spaces in northern Turners Beach are very close together and provide overlapping services.

Groom Street Reserve is proposed for decommissioning because nearby parks already provide enough open space for the area.

Boating Access

The main Turners Beach boat ramp is considered sufficient to serve the precinct. Because the smaller ramps at Leith Road and Logan Street are not owned or maintained by Council, the plan proposes reclassifying these areas as unclassified open space, with no further Council maintenance or renewal works. The boat ramp sign at Logan Street is also proposed to be removed.

Why these changes are proposed

These recommendations are intended to make sure Council’s investment is focused where it will have the greatest community benefit.

Council commits to:

• Improving parks that serve the most people
• Upgrading spaces that need to meet growing demand
• Renewing old equipment where it is most useful
• Avoiding duplication where several nearby spaces already provide similar functions
• Making decisions based on access, safety, condition, community use and long-term value

Access to larger parks and recreation spaces

The Turners Beach Recreation Ground will continue to provide the main precinct-level recreation space for the area, supporting sport, play and community use.

Residents also have good access to larger regional open spaces in Ulverstone, including Fairway Park and Anzac Park, which are only a short drive away and are now more connected by the shared pathway.