Construction of south Auckland’s first destination playground has officially started as Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Lotu Fuli plunged a shovel into the soft dirt at Hayman Park this week.
The ceremony, conducted just after sunrise on 18 September, marks the beginning of a massive redevelopment of the area to make it a drawcard for people of all ages and to improve the connection between Hayman Park and Manukau CBD.
In her opening remarks, Lotu Fuli acknowledged all the hard work of Auckland Council staff, contractors and elected members who have undertaken work to see this project reach its current stage.
“It’s the first destination playground for south Auckland and I think it’s going to be amazing,” she says.
“Thank you to everyone who’s had a part in bringing about this project.”
Project will be delivered in stages
The new playground will occupy the north-east corner of Hayman Park, next to the existing skate park and will be built in stages.
The first phase of construction will include the creation of new playground areas, a half basketball court, a kiosk and toilet amenity building, a plaza and feature architectural canopy. The second phase will include a bespoke play tower, four separate age-group playgrounds with assorted mounds, a flying fox and BMX bike track.
Lotu said the new development will attract people from all over Auckland.
“We hope it will provide a place for a range of different age groups, where they can come, play and enjoy Hayman Park, and not just people from our ward area, but people from all over Auckland as well.”
