The not-for-profit centre's newly refurbished outdoor play area was officially unveiled last month.

It includes a new sandpit, a dirt patch and a slide and soft-fall area, which replaced a set of hazardous stairs that connected the upper and lower levels. The centre's director, Sue Collinson, said the children and staff were thrilled with the end result, but there were a few hiccups along the way.

The development application to redesign the area took three years to be approved by Lake Macquarie City Council.

Once it was given the green light, the centre held regular fund-raising activities to meet the cost of the project.

The $155,000 project was partially funded by the state government, which contributed $25,000.

Ms Collinson said the project's completion was a testament to all involved.

"The fact that a small community entity like us can gather this much support is a credit to the children's families, our staff and the whole community," she said.