Devoted fans of Auckland’s oldest established park are leading a campaign to fund a new attraction that will inspire its youngest visitors, and their families.
Auckland Council previously approved the concept to build a playground at Pukekawa Auckland Domain several years ago, but storm-related recovery work and other priorities meant it had to be put on hold.
Community champions have now stepped up to fast-track the development of a nature playground through fundraising, and six generous families have gifted the initial $150,000 needed to start detailed design work and consenting.
A fund for the playground has been established with the Auckland Foundation, a key partner in the project, and construction is set to start as soon as the full fundraising target is met.
Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson, chair of the Domain Committee and local Ōrākei ward councillor, says the project is a fantastic example of people coming together to create something amazing for children and future generations.
“Pukekawa Auckland Domain is one of our most loved and recognised destinations, and the second most visited park in Auckland, after Cornwall Park” says Cr Simpson.
“We know that more people visit our parks when there is a playground, so bringing a nature playground to this special site will allow even more children and families to reconnect with each other and nature through play,” she adds.
Design plans for the playground include elements that blend into the landscape—natural materials for climbing, balancing, and exploring, as well as slides and swings. A water and sand play space will represent the historic Waiparuru Stream and swamp that historically flowed through the site. A picnic area and play tower is planned among mature trees, within an easy walk of carparking and the duck pond.
Aucklanders Jeremy Smith and Catherine Harri are among those driving the goal to raise $2 million in funding to get the playground build under way.
“We are working closely with Auckland Council, the Auckland Foundation, and local iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to bring this vision to life,” says Mr Smith.
“Once the $2 million funding target has been reached, the council will manage the build and provide the ongoing maintenance required to protect this wonderfully interactive playground for years to come.”
An aerial view showing playground location, circled in blue.
The playground will be within reach of visitors, patients and staff to Starship and Auckland Hospital, as well as those visiting the Auckland War Memorial Musuem, sports fields and the domain’s popular forest trails.
In 2016, a similar community partnership led to the Takapuna Beach Playground becoming a reality, thanks to funding support from generous benefactors.
More information about the project and how to donate is available online; aucklandfoundation.org.nz/nature-playground-at-pukekawa
