Accessible beach reserve set to open on Sydney's Northern Beaches

Stage One of the ground-breaking Collaroy Accessibility Precinct will be completed in the next few days, with the $1.7 million upgrade of the Collaroy Beach Reserve.

The works include a replacement carpark, beach promenade, lighting, stormwater drainage, picnic shelters, barbecues, a network of accessible footpaths and landscaping.

Special features for people with a disability include picnic tables with spaces for wheelchairs, an at-grade pedestrian crossing and additional disabled parking spaces, all connected with wheelchair friendly footpaths and pavements, with Braille signs coming soon.

Looking forward to the completion, Warringah Mayor Michael Regan explained "the beach reserve looks incredible and we've already had great feedback about improved traffic circulation and better pedestrian safety.

"This is a project that the people of Warringah can be truly proud of and the facilities mean that Collaroy is fast on its way to becoming a premier destination for less able residents and visitors."

The Accessibility Precinct concept is supported by local groups including Sargood, Vision Australia, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Fischer Road School. The Council already provides a 'Free Wheeler' wheelchair for use in the water and a 'Liberty Swing'.

The next step in the project is construction of the $800,000 all-abilities playground. The playground will include equipment such as wheelchair roundabouts and a sensory-loaded play area for children with limited vision. It is currently out to public tender.

Collaroy Accessibility Precinct:

September 2011 Community Survey and Needs Assessment

June 2012 Masterplan Exhibited

August 2012 Masterplan Adopted

October 2012 Collaroy SLSC Upgrade Complete

November 2012 Streetscape Improvements Complete

October 2013 Stage 1 Beach Reserve Upgrade Complete

May 2014 Playground Construction (Stage 2 Beach Reserve Upgrade) - subject to funding.

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