The community is being asked to help Northern Beaches Council establish a vision for the Freshwater Coastal Open Space and develop plans for its future over the next five to 10 years.

Council Deputy General Manager Ben Taylor said the Freshwater Coastal Open Space area includes Freshwater View Reserve, Freshwater Beach Reserve and McKillop Park.

“The area is a highly valued open space that attracts not only Northern Beaches residents but visitors from greater Sydney and tourists from interstate and overseas.

“Nearly 40 years after the last major restoration of the area, its growing popularity, general condition and lack of connectivity to adjoining areas means it’s time to plan a new future.”

The first step will be to get the community involved.

Northern Beaches Council has prepared a scoping paper and is now inviting community feedback on the issues contained in the paper and suggested improvements for the area. Some of the issues include pedestrian access and signage, landscaping, poor connections between public and commercial facilities like cafés and playgrounds as well as access to the swimming pool.

Council is holding two drop-in sessions on Wednesday, 22 March 9am-12pm and Saturday 25 March 3-5pm near the playground at Kooloora Avenue. Nominations will be sought to join a Council Working Group.

Following community consultation the Working Group will present a report back to Northern Beaches Council in August.

For more details, including how to nominate for the Working Group please visit yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.