To book a Park or Reserve (other than a wedding) please complete a  Booking Form and return to Council.

Great Lakes Council offers a wide range of parks and reserves for relaxation and recreational purposes. There are many playgrounds and electric BBQ facilities which are free to use by the public. Council asks as a courtesy to other users that these facilities are left clean and any rubbish taken with you or left in the bins provided.

Parks can be booked for private functions such as wedding ceremonies and birthday parties, as well as community events such as markets, concerts and festivals. Concerts and festivals and other larger events that have community impacts beyond the park or reserve may require the submission of a Special Event Application. For further information on Special Events please contact Council's Engineering Executive Coordinator.  If you wish to book a park or reserve please complete a booking form booking form and submit to Council for consideration.  If you wish to book a reserve for a wedding ceremony please submit a wedding application form.

Fitness groups and Surf Schools are also catered for with reserves set aside specifically for their use. Please refer to the section on Commercial Use of Reserves.

Council also offers the public the choice of installing private memorial benches in public places.  As some areas around Forster and Tuncurry are closed, it is recommended that you check with Council before completing the  application form. 

Pelican Walk, Forster

 Serpentine Wall - Pelican Walk Forster

Smoke Free Environment Recreation Facilities

In June 2011 Council adopted a Smoke Free Environment Recreation Facilities Policy Smoke Free Environment Recreation Facilities Policy which applies to all playgrounds, designated swimming areas, park buildings and infrastructure as well as sporting fields and patrolled areas on beaches.  The general rule is that no smoking is permitted within 10m of the above mentioned facilites. 

There are 33 playgrounds located throughout the Great Lakes area. Playgrounds provide one of the main forms of active play and recreation for children of all ages.

Given the importance of playgrounds to the community's social and recreational needs it is important that Council provide both safe and quality play sites, which enhance not only the parks and reserves environment, but offer a range of recreational opportunities for the user.

Most of Council's playgrounds have associated facilities such as public amenities, BBQ's and picnic shelters.

Playgrounds are located in the following locations:

Weddings

Wedding ceremonies are permitted on Council's reserves and beaches, however Council does not allow wedding receptions. There is no charge for use of public areas however you do need to submit an application to use public land and supply the following additional information:

•  the approximate number of guests (so any parking issues can be ironed out);
• special items such as carpet for the bride to walk on,
• seating, table for signing, arches, etc.

Exclusive use of public spaces cannot be granted and it is requested there be no disturbance to other users. No rice or confetti is permitted on any reserve / beach. Photography is allowed, however please be mindful  of others, especially at lookouts.

The most preferred areas for wedding ceremonies are:

Pebbly Beach Outdoor Learning Centre

Memorial Benches

Council receives requests from individuals for permission to place memorial benches with plaques in remembrance of a deceased Great Lakes community member on Council land, or on land under the care  and control of Council. When properly designed, planned and displayed, memorials may provide some comfort for grieving community members. Council is committed to protecting such land while providing opportunities for appropriately designed private memorials to honour those individuals who have significantly contributed to the greater good of the community and/or those who have lived in the community for a long period of time.  For more information please refer to Council'sWhen selecting your location please phone Council prior to submitting your application as many areas are closed for additional seats. Council reserves the right      to limit the number of memorial benches in any given area.

If you would like to apply for a Memorial Bench, please read Council's Private Memorial on Park Furniture Policy and complete the Private Memorial Application Form.

Additional Plaques on Existing Benches

If you would like an additional plaque put onto an exsiting bench please complete the Additional Plaque Application. Every effort will be made to match the plaque type and size however this cannot be guaranteed.

Memorial Seat made from recycled products

Example of an additonal plaque on a memorial seat

Commercial Use of Reserves

Council offers use of public spaces / reserves and pools for commercial use.

Examples include the use of beaches for surf schools, outdoor fitness groups and swimming lessons. Applicants are required to apply for a licence through Council's Development Application process. Please note, there are limited licences available for activities. For further information please contact the Manager of Parks and Recreation on 6591 7222.

Further Reading

Please refer to the policy's listed below for Commecial Use of Reserves.

Commercial Use of Reserves

Commercial Use of Reserves by Fitness Groups and Personal Trainers 

Surf School Commercial Licence Operator

Markets

Regular markets are generally held once per month and operate on weekends and some public holidays. Markets are run by charity and community based organisations, in that the net profit is directed to the benefit of a local charity and / or community based organisations. For futher information please read Council's Outdoor Market Policy or Council's Growers Market Policy.

 If you would like to book a stall at one of the markets please contact the market organiser as indicated in the market schedule below.