FAQs

Play can be for everyone – young and old, families and carers, and people of all abilities. We want to provide play spaces that are more inclusive, improve accessibility and that bring us all together. An all-abilities playground provides a variety of play opportunities to suit different needs and promote active and healthy lifestyles.

The project is a major renewal which is currently in the early planning stage. Following this consultation, a concept design and further round of consultation will occur, before setting a date for construction. We are expecting the playground construction to start in 2028.

The site has been identified as a location for the addition of exercise facilities through Council’s Play Strategy. This is a long term (15+) plan for the site, recently endorsed by Councillors and is not currently in scope for this playground upgrade. 

Council is in the early stages of preparing a master plan for the entire Cronulla Foreshore that will consider the location of fitness equipment holistically.

It is unlikely that any elements in the playground will be kept as they are approaching the end of their life span. Any recently installed equipment is expected to be in need of renewal by the time construction commences on this project.

The footpath to the north of the playground is heritage significant and will be retained.

The amenities within the nearby Shelly Beach Pavilion will be upgraded as part of a separate project. This is expected to improve both the quality and quantity of toilets and increase their accessibility. The current scope for this playground upgrade does not include an additional amenities block.

The park contains dozens of trees which provide shade and add to the ambience. The palms and pines in particular have heritage significance.

As part of preliminary planning investigations Council has commissioned an independent arborist report to assess the species and retention value of existing trees on the site. 

Any trees identified for removal such as exotic species or those in poor health will be clearly identified in the next stage of this project (concept design consultation) for the community to provide comment.  

A small number of trees may require removal or pruning to facilitate the playground upgrade work, however, we intend to minimise such work. 

The upgrade of the playground will be conducted in the context of several other projects, including:

1.    Oak Park and Shelly Beach Buildings Renewal

2.    Cronulla Foreshore Master Plan

3.    Cronulla Place Plan

Walkable, accessible, and well-designed open spaces are a key part of these plans. By providing more residents and local workers with access to high-quality open space within a 10-minute walk, Shelly Park and its playground will contribute to a more liveable, accessible, and vibrant area. 

Particularly with increased densification and projected population growth, it's important for Council to proactively consider infrastructure to support this, including high-quality open space.