Playground upgrades

We are committed to improving the accessibility of our play spaces for the whole community by having connecting paths to each site.

Playground upgrades and renewals are driven by the condition of the equipment.  Sometimes the equipment can look perfectly fine but in reality be close to the end of its life.  The inspections we do of the equipment is quite in-depth, so while the equipment may look perfectly fine, underneath the paint and coverings is where the true condition is measured.

The small playground at the end of the basketball court was given a refresh during June 2025 as the old play equipment had reached the end of its serviceable life.

The playground is for a younger age group and features a mound with a tunnel and a twin slide, half spheres as a stepping trail and hopscotch in the bright new wet pour safety surface. There are six interactive play panels to provide additional activity.

Waihemo St playground, Waitangirua

The intention is to upgrade the Waihemo St playground this financial year.

We are undertaking some concept design work that will be shared with the community shortly (July 2025).

The intention is to retain the existing swing set, install new play units, add an embankment slide and some nature play on the slope and interactive play panels. The footpath link to Bothamley walkway will be widened and new seating installed to provide improved gathering space for the community.

Aotea Lagoon playground

This financial year (2025/26), we will be undertaking some initial consultation and concept design to help us prioritise upgrades for our existing well-used play spaces at the lagoon.

There may be some minor works able to be undertaken this year, but the majority will be phased over the following two financial years.

Wi Neera Drive playground

This playground area is due for replacement and shortly we will be commencing the concept design in conjunction with mana whenua and other stakeholders.

During the middle of 2024, Council completed the installation of an outdoor fitness area to the south of the splash pad. This area features a wide range of specialised equipment suited to rehabilitation and fitness needs. Lighting will be added by early summer 2025/26 as part of a project to replace the lights around the lagoon walkway.

With the goal to help our community to improve health, fitness, and wellbeing opportunities, we hope you enjoy getting out and having a go – from rehab to mobility and fitness, there is something for all to try.

The equipment is designed for a full range of fitness levels and abilities and includes some wheelchair-friendly items.

With adjustable settings and links to a fitness app to suggest exercises, equipment can be tailored to the needs of the user.

The Kompan Fitness App can be downloaded on AppStore and Google Play and teaches you how to use the equipment including exercise guides and workouts.