MidCoast Council is pulling out all stops to ensure everyone has a say on the planned Tuncurry water playground.
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From this week council will begin an extensive community consultation process, which will stretch into the new year.
"We're very excited to be kicking off the consultation process, after over 81 per cent of community respondents supported the concept to develop a water playground at the old Tuncurry Pool site," MidCoast Council community spaces, recreation and trades director, manager, Dan Aldridge said.
The Tuncurry water playground, designed to be a facility for people of all ages and abilities, will remain open throughout the year and free of charge.
"There is currently no other facility like this on the Mid Coast, so we're excited to be able to deliver the project," Mr Aldridge said.
"We are developing a multi-faceted engagement program that allows everyone to tell us what specific elements they'd like to see within the playground, as well as comment on some of the additional facilities for the first stage of the Tuncurry recreation precinct.
"We want to find out what equipment people want to see in the water playground - so both a simple poll and more detailed survey will ask you to identify your preferred water playground inclusions.
"We'll be getting out and about to consult with people face-to-face, providing COVID-19 restrictions continue to allow us to do so.
There is currently no other facility like this on the Mid Coast, so we're excited to be able to deliver the project.
- Dan Aldridge
"We'll be having some fun with this - so keep an eye out for us over the next two months."
Council will hold focus groups and visit schools, and at the same time hold targetted consultations with families and people living with a disability and their carers, and the local business community.
The initial stage will include construction of the shaded playground, new amenities block and barbecue and picnic table facilities.
Not everything is up for feedback just yet - this consultation will focus on the construction of the Tuncurry water playground and the first stage amenities.
"Later, we will be expanding facilities at Fazio Park, which will develop into the Tuncurry recreation precinct.
"The reserve already includes the skate park and Tuncurry Community Hall.
"There are plans for a children's safety bike path in the precinct and we'll be developing parking, footpaths and a safe access way to link Lone Pine Park and the foreshore with the new precinct," Mr Aldridge said.
The $1.5 million project has secured $800,000 funding which includes a $400,000 Federal government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program grant.
Visit the MidCoast Council Tuncurry water playground page to learn more about the project and the online survey and poll.
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