Play equipment for children of different abilities features
in two newly revamped Porirua playgrounds.
Arnold Park, in Titahi Bay, is proving popular since it reopened recently and now includes features specifically made to help children with disabilities play and have fun.
“It’s awesome seeing our playgrounds catering for tamariki of different ages and abilities. The park has a fully supported swing, a wheelchair friendly carousel and a sensory play steel drum that kids can make sounds on,” says Mayor Mike Tana.
“This is about meeting our aspirations to listen to our young people – our taonga – and having them at the heart of our city’s future.”
Parks Manager Olivia Dovey says the council is committed to improving the accessibility of the city’s play spaces so they can be used by kids of different abilities.
“Our staff asked users of our parks what they wanted and then built the designs based on the feedback. At Arnold Park they asked for more swings and monkey bars - so we made sure they were included.”
A large picnic table, wooden seat and a wide pathway were also added to the park, which is on the corner of Tireti and South Beach Access roads. New planting will be done during winter months.
Another two play areas – in Waitangirua and Aotea - have also been revamped.
Arahura Park in Waitangirua has a new climbing structure with a track ride and slide, plus a trio of new swings.
“And there’s a hands-on sensory play flower for children who can create noises by turning its petals. It’s something a bit different for the city,” says Ms Dovey.
The park is due to open in a couple of weeks.
In Aotea, the new park on John Burke Drive is a brand new
neighbourhood space on reserve land set aside as part of the development.
It has a set of swings, a picnic table and a bench seat with views of the harbour. It opened last week.
Pictured above: Tirakahurangi Tongia-Gardiner (6) pushes Zayne Tongia-Gardiner (4) and Josh Tutonu (4) on the new wheelchair friendly carousel at Arnold Park.
28 Nov 2017
