FAQs
About the Playground
Stage 1 (July): Online survey and ideas wall to collect your ideas, values and preferences.
Stage 2 (October): We’ll present three design options based on your feedback and invite the community to vote online.
What is this project about?
We’re designing and delivering a new destination-level playground at Park Beach Reserve to replace the existing playground, which is reaching the end of its life and must be replaced and relocated. The new location offers a larger area and better connection to the shared path network. We want to work with the community to design a fun, inclusive, and accessible new space that reflects local values and priorities.
How is consultation being delivered?
Engagement is happening in two stages:
Will there be shade and seating?
Shade structures can be a significant investment, so we’re working to balance built shade (such as shade sails) with other play equipment and features. A combination of natural shade from existing and new trees and built shade structures, along with seating, bins, and informal gathering spaces will be thoughtfully included to help make the playground comfortable and sun-safe for all.
What about accessibility and inclusive play?
We’re committed to universal design and want this playground to be accessible for children and carers of all abilities. Inclusive features (such as ramps, sensory elements, ground-level play, and appropriate surfacing) will be part of the design brief – balanced with other community preferences.
Why is the playground being relocated and what happened to the old one?
The existing playground is at the end of life and no longer meets community needs. Its current location has spatial and operational constraints that limit the potential for a safe, accessible, and modern play space. Relocating the playground nearby creates an opportunity to deliver a more inclusive and exciting design with better access, more room to play, and improved connection to the park surroundings.
Who makes the final decision?
The final design will be developed by the City's project team and designers, informed directly by the community’s input. Safety, durability, cost and site constraints will also guide the outcome. A summary report will be published after engagement closes.
Will my feedback be used?
Yes. Community input is at the heart of this process. Your ideas will help shape the concept options, and you’ll be able to vote on your preferred design. We’ll share a summary of what we heard and how it influenced the final outcome.
Budget and trade offs
Shade sails or shade structures — Around $100,000 due to the engineering, secure footings, and durable UV-rated materials needed for safety and longevity.
One large piece of play equipment (e.g., a tower, flying fox, or adventure structure) — Can cost between $150,000 and $300,000 depending on size, design complexity, materials, and accessibility features.
Half basketball court or multi-sport court — Typically costs around $125,000, influenced by surfacing, fencing, lighting, and additional site works.
What’s the budget?
The total project budget is $1 million, staged over two financial years ($500K in FY 25/26 and $500K in FY26/27). This means we need to prioritise what gets delivered and may need to stage features over time.
Why do playground and park features cost so much?
Playground and park infrastructure costs can vary depending on things like size, design, materials, and safety standards. Understanding these costs helps us make informed, balanced decisions—so we can deliver the best possible playground within our budget.
What if I want a skate park, full size basketball court, or pump track?
This project is focused solely on a new children’s playground. We welcome your ideas, but we’re asking the community to focus on the types of play and features most suitable for this location and user group.
Coffs Harbour has great skate park, full size basketball court and sports facilities available at Brelsford Park, Bray Street, Sandy Beach, Corindi and Woolgoogla.
Here are some typical examples to provide context
Because these features require significant investment, we often need to balance whether to include one standout “wow” feature or multiple smaller play elements that together provide variety and fun for all ages and abilities.
Why can’t we include everything?
We’d love to – but with a fixed budget, we need to carefully balance features to ensure we deliver the best possible outcome for all. This is why community input on priorities is so important. We want to deliver the best value and experience within our funding.
Park Beach Reserve additional information
How is the park currently used?
Park Beach Reserve is a much-loved open space used for markets, events, festivals, recreation, and beach access. The new playground must fit into this multi-purpose setting and complement how the broader reserve is used year-round.
Is this a masterplan for Park Beach Reserve?
No, this project is specifically focused on renewing the playground at Park Beach. It is not a masterplan for the entire reserve.
A masterplan involves a comprehensive, long-term strategy for the whole reserve, including multiple facilities and landscape improvements. This playground project is a standalone upgrade aimed at improving play facilities based on community feedback.
At this time, we are only collecting input related to the playground design. Consultation on broader reserve improvements or a future masterplan would happen separately.
What if I have concerns about traffic, parking, or safety?
These issues are outside the scope of this consultation.
How will the Aboriginal heritage of the site be considered?
We acknowledge the cultural significance of Park Beach Reserve to Gumbaynggirr people, the Traditional Custodians of the land. This site holds enduring cultural and spiritual value, and we respectfully recognise the ongoing connection to Country.
In line with standard building practice, this design will go through an Environmental Heritage review.