What's happening
The iconic rocket ship at Lions Park, Long Jetty underwent essential renovation works to ensure it could continue to be enjoyed by local residents and visitors to the Coast for many years to come.
The rocket ship was temporarily relocated for maintenance and repair in March, with the park to remain open to the public while the repairs are being carried out off-site.
The rocket ship was returned to Lions Park on Wednesday 23 August, however the park will be closed while the two new slides are attached and rubber soft fall added to the park with it to be opened again for play in September.
Your say
While the rocket is being repaired, we are sought input from the community on their preferences for its appearance when it is safely returned to Lions Park in late July:
- Option A: will be essential repairs only with the rocket ship retaining its classic look.
- Option B: allows for the top portion of the structure to re-open to the public for the first time in years, with the addition of an extra slide to bring it up to current safety standards.
Between 8 March and 6 April 3,646 community votes were cast with:
- 324 Votes (9%) for Option A Keep it classic and
- 3,332 Votes (91%) for Option B New and improved
What an incredible response! Thank you to everyone who voted.
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Who's listening
Why is the rocket ship blasting off?
The rocket ship has been moved offsite in order for essential works to be carried out to meet current Australian Standards.
The rocket ship was removed in March and returned in late July.
What essential repairs are taking place?
The rocket ship is a Central Coast icon and Council’s priority is to conserve the structure by carrying our essential repair works to allow it to remain an important part of the community use for generations to come.
This will include replacing metal sections that has reached the end of its life, removing rust and painting the rocket in its original colours. Additional works to be undertaken to ensure the rocketship is compliant includes redesign on entry and access points, upgrade existing slide and additional external steel flat bar to mitigate potential entrapments.
These essential works must occur to ensure that the rocket ship can meet the high safety standards that Australians expect and deserve.
How long will the works take to complete?
The work will take approximately 8 weeks to complete and the rocket ship will be ready for play by July 2023.
Will Lions Park remain open?
Lions Park will remain open to the public, apart from the days which crews must access the site and remove and then return the rocket ship structure. The site will be closed during this time.
Safety is exceptionally important for Council and we are required to meet the high safety standards under Australian law.
What could the community vote on?
While the rocket ship is offsite, we asked the community what they would like it to look like when it is safely returned to Lions Park.
Which option did the community vote for?
Between 8 March and 6 April 3,646 community votes were cast with:
- 324 Votes (9%) for Option A Keep it classic and
- 3,332 Votes (91%) for Option B New and improved