Recreational space demands still not addressed
In 1993, Gosford Council engaged a consultant to conduct a city-wide study of open recreational space.
The consultant explained the study was not comprehensive but still included important conclusions.
The most important comment, I believe, forecast that the unmet demands of the time would not be solved and would be passed on to future residents.
This prediction certainly applies to Rogers Park and Umina high school playing area.
I expect residents have more examples.
However, these two well-known examples should be sufficient,
The main playing area in Rogers Park is shared between sporting codes.
In the past, there was use of the Umina High School grounds.
However, use of that playing area has certainly increased for non-high school activities in recent years.
Population increase is a certainly applying more pressure to open and recreational space, which will continue into the future.
The use of environmental land for mountain bike use is another example of the consultants' prediction in 1993.
Playground facilities were reduced in number by Gosford Council, with the concept of walking to a nearby park being seen to belong in the past.
I seriously doubt there will be quality reports from the Council and State Government in the future, as neither will have the willingness and financial backing to tackle problems.
Not being addressed, current issues will be exacerbated for future residents.
SOURCE:
Letter, 25 Feb 2022
Norm Harris, Umina