Major Upgrade of Clontarf Reserve

Following extensive lobbying by the Clontarf Community Forum and Manly Ward Councillors, our much loved Clontarf Reserve is to have an extensive upgrade featuring a newly equipped playground, with construction scheduled from June- September 2020.

Playground 
A themed playground concept design has been developed that embraces the unique and diverse Middle Harbour aquatic environment – the seagrass/foreshore habitat, fish movement and fishing.

The concept plans were utilised in a funding application Council recently submitted (11 December 2019) in the Everyone Can Play (ECP) grant program through the NSW Government. An additional $200,000 has been sought to supplement the project budget. The outcome of that grant is expected by the end of February 2020.

Council is currently liaising with playground equipment suppliers on play equipment options for the key play activities areas in the design, and associated costs, and preliminary costing for the overall design is being prepared. Some items may require staging.

Timing:
March 2020                     Finalise Design Documentation
April 2020                       Procurement - Play equipment supply (pre-order to allow for
                                       18- 20 week lead-time)                    
May-June 2020               Procurement – Landscape Contract
June-September 2020    Construction
  
Second toilet block
Once the playground design is finalised Council will prepare to undertake community engagement on a proposed second toilet block

Car park works and dingy storage
Sydney Water has advised that any proposed watercraft storage and carpark works at the end of the car park adjacent to the boat ramp would be impacted by anticipated remediation works planned by Sydney Water to their infrastructure over the next few years. Coucil will work closely with Sydney Water on this.

Based on this update, relocating dinghy storage at Sandy Bay (if decided) would need to be postponed in the short term.
 
Sandstone Bleachers and seawall
The proposed sandstone log walling to the foreshore (approx. 170 lin.m using 500x500x2000 logs) will extend from the new bleachers / accessible ramp south down to the existing boat ramp.

Timing:
Late February 2020          Site Establishment
June 2020                         Completion
               
Other Works
Council recently completed minor landscape improvements to the front entry path to kiosk café prior to the café opening. Works included a new 1.5m wide pathway entry, garden modifications, replacement of koppers log barriers with sandstone logs;
synthetic grass area for casual seating; mulching under large fig tree and some returfing.

The newly renovated Clonnys Cafe looks fantastic and is well worth a visit.