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.

UPDATE 14 SEPTEMBER 2023

In July we shared our plans to make improvements to the Makora Grove Playground in Paremata. This included a proposal to remove the playground in the lower reserve and create a new playspace at street level in the upper reserve in Makora Grove to be accessible to the more of the community.

You played your part, completing the survey and sharing your thoughts with members of our team at the drop-in sessions held at Makora Grove in July. We asked questions about how the reserve is used, so we can understand more about the needs and wants of your community. You shared what you love about the space, and what would like at the new playspace.

In your feedback it was clear the community liked the current playspace and weren’t keen to see the playground moved to the upper reserve. One of the key messages received was by moving the playground away from the lower reserve, it splits whānau and friends visiting the reserve. Makora Grove Reserve is unique in that it caters to a wide range of ages simultaneously, with the tennis/basketball court, green space and playground all located in the lower reserve.

As a result of this information being gathered, the decision has been made to keep the playground at the lower level of the reserve.

The design of the playspace will be shared later in the year. The construction works are expected to be completed by late summer/early autumn 2024, although this is dependent on material supply and weather.

The budget for the renewal is $150,000 and includes the design and construction works. The tennis court, basketball hoop, driveway access and steps are outside of the project scope and will remain unchanged.

Keep an eye out for updates on the Council Facebook page, and we have given information to Paremata Residents Association as well.

UPDATE 7 NOVEMBER, 2023

Construction is 99% complete, with installation of a picnic table to be installed.

The playground is now open for use and we thank you for your patience while this work was carried out.

For any queries phone 04 237 5089 or email parksfeedback@poriruacity.govt.nz

UPDATE 30 MAY, 2023

Construction will start at Glengavel Playground in June 2023 and is expected to be completed by the end of August. Weather could impact how long the works take.

During construction the playground area will be closed.

There’s a bit to do and we thank you for your patience as this work is carried out.

For any queries phone 04 237 5089 or email parksfeedback@poriruacity.govt.nz

You can view the Concept Design Brief below.

Keep an eye out for updates on our Facebook page.

How did we get here?

In January 2023 you shared with us your thoughts about the proposed concept design. The final design is complete so construction can begin. The construction works are expected to start in June this year, although this is dependent on supply of products and services.

Plans are under way to renew the Glengavel playground on Glengavel Grove in Papakōwhai as the play equipment is coming to the end of its life.

Feedback on the proposed concept design is now closed (22 January 2023).

• You can view the concept design brief here

Keep an eye out for updates on our Facebook page and through your residents' association.

The budget for the upgrade is approximately $100,000 and this includes design and construction works.

COMPLETE

The renewal of this playground to replace the swing is complete and the new swing is being well utilised.

We thank you for your patience as this work was carried out.

For any queries phone 04 237 5089 or email parksfeedback@poriruacity.govt.nz.

UPDATE 30 MAY, 2023

Work has commenced at Lagden Park to replace the swing that was coming to the end of its life. The new swing is expected to be installed in August, 2023. Weather could impact how long the installation takes.

Just a reminder, there will be no changes made to the tennis/basketball court - the focus is on the grassy area where the swing set was.

We thank you for your patience as this work is carried out.

For any queries phone 04 237 5089 or email parksfeedback@poriruacity.govt.nz

How did we get here?

In late 2022 you played your part and completed the Lagden Park survey; we asked questions about how the space is used, so we can understand more about the needs and wants of your community. You shared what you love about the space, and what you would change. We analysed the information you submitted via the online and paper surveys.

The swing set at Lagden Park on Lagden St is coming to the end of its life so we are making plans to replace it.

Thanks for playing your part and sharing your thoughts with us via the online and paper survey in October 2022. We are taking that information and using our playspace expertise to inform what will happen with the renewal of the space.

As Lagden Park is a much smaller area, we will be scheduling the work and ordering the play equipment very soon. The construction works are expected to be complete before the end of winter 2023, although this is dependent on the supply of products and services. The budget for this renewal including construction is about $40,000.

Just a reminder, there will be no changes made to the tennis/basketball court. The focus is on the grassy area where the swing set currently is.

Keep an eye out for updates on our Facebook page and through your residents' association.

UPDATE 7 NOVEMBER, 2023

The playground construction is well-advanced, with the basket swing, bespoke timber fort and large gum tree logs installed and open for the community to use.

There are some minor works and finishings to follow in the coming weeks – including removal of the last section of the old playground, and planting of oak tree saplings.

Weather and material supply issues held up the construction of this playground, and we thank you for your patience during this time.

For any queries phone 04 237 5089 or email enquiries@poriruacity.govt.nz

UPDATE 30 MAY, 2023

Construction is underway!

The new playspace site works at Whitby Walkway playground have begun and will be done in phases due to product supply. Weather could impact how long the work takes too.

We will do our best to keep parts of the current playground open while the construction is underway.

Thanks for your patience as this work is carried out!

For any queries phone 04 237 5089 or email enquiries@poriruacity.govt.nz

Concept design – ‘Wildwood Playspace’

The concept design proposed upgrading the Whitby Walkway playground to a ‘Wildwood Playspace’, which offers an opportunity for a return of free play. Basically, the existing playground explodes out into a wider area and uses existing landform to add play, value and interest.

For lots of reasons we have seen a lessening of free play in the last 15-20 years. Unstructured play with natural or repurposed objects is important for emotional, physical and social development. “Evidence suggests free play develops independence, fosters resilience, teaches children about risk management, fosters creativity and builds confidence.” (Raisingchildren.org.nz). Wildwood Playspace is a site that has a strong sense of place suited to creation of a free play area for tamariki.

The concept design proposes three zones:

• Woodland zone – Taking advantage of the dappled light from the established parkland canopy trees, the woodland zone aims to be a challenging/confidence/risk/reward low-level activity forest experience. A bespoke timber play fort fits with the woodland character.
• Nature play – The enhanced nature play area is a place for discovery of the natural world and creative enviro play. This streamside space is already in use with well-worn paths through the undergrowth and fallen trees to cross the stream. Informal terrace seating set into the bank will overlook the space, creating educational opportunities and safe exploration. Traditional play equipment will be integrated into this space.
• Open space – A large eagles claw basket swing sits beside the walkway along with informal seating and picnic tables overlooking the open field.

The Wildwood Playspace is part of an organic design process. The Concept Design Brief is now closed for feedback.

Click here to view the concept design brief.