A playground for everyone

Overview 

Nestled in a quiet residential suburb, the Ngawhatu sportsfield provides space for multi-sport activity through the week, throughout the year. Given a sizeable family aged population and the inevitable growth of adjacent large scale property developments and planned intensification, a new playground was commissioned. 

Importantly, in line with council priorities to broaden the utility of recreation assets for the community, provision for wheelchair access and engagement was made central to the design. Improvements in safety, accessibility and aesthetics resulted in a superior play experience for a wider group of users. 

“It’s great that we can take his wheelchair right up to the claw swing, and the large basket means he can swing with me, his sister or friend, which he really enjoys” 

Activity 

New internationally designed and supplied play equipment was installed after the removal of all outdated equipment. The area was re-contoured to suit user movement and water management issues. 

In addition to wider, lightly cambered pathways and timber climbing frame construction, large tree trunks were craned into the site and bolted together to naturally extend the play experience. 

Finally, the surrounding area was landscaped with bark mulch and planted to soften the look (and any hard landings!)