We know how much children love their favourite playgrounds, but sometimes they are itching to try something new. Here is a roundup of the newest playgrounds our region has to offer.
Te Wai Ōrea Lakeside Park
99 Motions Road, Western Springs
Te Wai Ōrea Lakeside Park, already a popular spot, boasts a new ecology-themed playground featuring two giant slides, play zones doubling as learner cycling tracks, new equipment, seating, and shade sails.
“The playground is a place for our tamariki to experience water, ecology, refuge, connection, events and history,” says Waitematā Local Board Chair Richard Northey.
A sealed path around the lake is suitable for buggies and bikes. Near the new playground you’ll find the Japanese Fukuoka Garden and the entrance to the Auckland Zoo.
Aronia Park
Corner of Aronia Way and Everglade Drive, Goodwood Heights
Kids love colour and Aronia Park offers a new rainbow playground in Manurewa’s Goodwood Heights. It’s got all the ingredients of a hit for kids of all ages: colourful slides, giant swings, a spinner, stepping stones, and a flying fox.
Surrounding the playground there is lots of open space to run around and climbable trees to enjoy. Pack a picnic and enjoy your visit.
Kopupaka Playground
1 Barbour Road, Westgate
A former strawberry field is now a playground with all sorts of sweet features.
Kopupaka Playground in Westgate has a great line-up of slides, swings, spinners, balancing and climbing fixtures, a flying fox, a sandpit area, water play features, bike and scooter paths and more. A particularly nice touch is the play tower in the shape of strawberry crates piled on top of one another.
“It’s definitely a place that young people in this fast-growing suburb are going to love growing up with,” says Waitākere Councillor Shane Henderson.
There’s a barbecue and picnic area, so be sure to bring some food and settle in for a while.
Wiri playground
Wiri Stream Reserve, Manukau
This new playground mixes old and new to help Manukau tamariki (children) enjoy nature-oriented play next to Puhinui Stream.
Agility, resilience, fitness and appreciation for the local environment are strengthened through Māori designs by play specialist Harko Brown.
The playground is ideal for children of a wide variety of abilities, with useability and accessibility ensured in the design.
Please be mindful of the current COVID-19 alert level requirements when you plan your outing.
For information on current COVID-19 restrictions, visit covid19.govt.nz, and visit the council website for information on our services and facilities.
