Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been increasing demand on our open spaces. Some of the inclusions in the Freshwater Beach Masterplan have been modified based on site understanding and conditions, safety considerations, evolving community needs and budget constraints.

Budget considerations mean Council needs to carefully consider the cost benefit of some of the deliverables in the overall masterplan. For the first stage of implementation we are prioritising accessibility through the reserve and viewing points and upgrading the playground.

We have been working with Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club on the public amenities and playground location since the adoption of the Freshwater Coastal Open Space Masterplan (FCOSM).

After internal and stakeholder review the desire to relocate public amenity out of the surf club has required us to review the space again.

We are proposing to provide a separate fit for purpose amenities block external to the surf club. This means we are also proposing to leave the playground where it is.

In response to Friends of Freshwater, we have incorporated landscape planting and features into the design of the new playground to create a physical barrier and deterrent for children.

The playground has been designed to provide an inclusive play-space that offers a variety of play experiences.

Take a look at the playground analysis. The analysis helped inform which play experiences should be included in the design. We compared the experiences available at other parks in the surrounding area.

Take a look at the underwater theme. When you look at the playground design you will see how we've incorporated this theme into the play elements.

When we have the opportunity to make improvements to our open spaces we want to make sure parks and public places are easy to get to and move around.

Improving accessibility is one of the critical actions from our Disability and Inclusion Action Plan or DIAP.

Council has a number of adopted strategic plans that guide our priorities and our vision for the Northern Beaches. The plans you see on this page have been developed based on community feedback.

Some other strategic plans we refer to include:

• Northern Beaches Bike Plan - July 2020
• Northern Beaches Walking Plan - April 2019

We strive for best practice when designing open spaces. We follow industry standards where practical and in response to site conditions.

To comply with standards for shared paths, wheelchair accessibility and accessible carpark connections it is necessary to analyse the individual site constraints, gradients, the way the space is used by people, and how well it functions. These assessments inform the placement and width of those proposed path connections.

For the first stage of implementation we are prioritising accessibility through the reserve and viewing points and upgrading the playground.

Some of the inclusions in the Freshwater Beach Masterplan have been modified based on site understanding and conditions, safety considerations, evolving community needs and budget constraints.

Budget considerations mean we need to carefully consider the cost benefit of some of the deliverables in the overall masterplan.

We are focusing on key elements in the park being upgraded to improve and enhance the community experience of these areas.

Our focus is on accessibility and inclusion, and renewal of park assets. Some park assets are overdue for renewal and others will assist with ongoing maintenance.

Yes. There will be some minor improvements in light quality with the replacement of fixtures to align with Council's Public Space Vision and Design guidelines. Lighting requirements will also be reviewed through a safety audit process when we move to detailed design.

Art-play serves a dual purpose - combining play and other elements of the area with artwork.

Art-play represents an opportunity to create an artwork which integrates with the natural environment, local history and contemporary community of Freshwater. It is also an opportunity to design an artwork that will engage young children and their families.

Art-play concept suggestions could include softening the area and using artwork, playable elements and plantings to create a more integrated and natural area.