An ambitious new plan with almost 200 actions to improve open spaces and outdoor recreation facilities across the Northern Beaches is now on exhibition for public feedback.

Council has endorsed the draft Open Space and Outdoor Recreation and Action Plan – Let’s Play.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the strategy would make our open spaces and facilities even better over the next 15 years

“From our beautiful beaches to our stunning foreshores, our green parklands to natural bushlands, there is so much open space on the Northern Beaches,” Mayor Regan said.

“We want to protect and continue to improve and manage sustainably our open space and facilities so that current, future generations and visitors can continue to enjoy all the benefits green, open space provides. The health and wellbeing of all of us depends on it.”

The draft strategy was developed following extensive consultation with key community groups, along with telephone surveys, written submissions, and targeted stakeholder engagement.

More than 4,000 people told Council what places they love and what could be improved.

Council has developed a list of key actions to meet current and future needs, including:

  • adding 7 new playgrounds, on top of our existing 217 public playgrounds
  • upgrading playspaces to offer higher quality and more diverse play experiences
  • developing new and improved mountain bike facilities and upgrading existing bike trails
  • installing outdoor fitness equipment and multi-use courts including for basketball in specific locations where there is demand
  • improving the accessibility and quality of amenities
  • continuing to support the sustainable recreational use of bushland
  • continuing to support our wonderful network of parks, gardens, and trail volunteers
  • continuing to partner with the NSW State Government to facilitate shared access of school grounds, facilities and other open spaces
  • undertaking future recreation planning to ensure we continue to meet the community’s needs.

For more information or to have your say on the draft strategy visit our Your Say page.