Two playgrounds in Manly and Torbay are set for $520,000 worth of upgrades, thanks to the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.
The playgrounds at Torbay’s Cranston and Manly’s Edith Hopper reserves will get new equipment and better drainage to enable year-round play.
Board chair Gary Brown is pleased that local feedback along with new play experiences are being incorporated into the final designs after 107 locals provided feedback on the proposals.
“Of the feedback received, the most popular activities asked for at Edith Hopper are climbing followed by nature play while at Cranston, it is swinging and then climbing.
“Students at Whangaparāoa School created amazing drawings with their top wishes being jumping and spinning activities for the Edith Hopper upgrade.
“Equally important is play activities that cater for youth at both playgrounds and to integrate existing equipment in good condition into the upgrades.
“Finally, it is essential to consider play activities offered at nearby playgrounds such as Manly and Whangaparāoa School; and for Cranston, at Woodridge, and also Stredwick, Cairnbrae; both playgrounds which will be upgraded in the future.
"This approach ensures that local families have a wide range of play experiences and activities right on their doorstep.”
Edith Hopper play equipment will include:
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a cabin tower with large and small slides
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an inclusive carousel accessible for wheelchairs
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two swings one with belt and one baby swing
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a basket swing (existing)
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an overhead rope climber
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a trampoline.
The design also includes existing shade trees, seats, a picnic table, safety surfacing, and buffer planting between the playground and car park.
Cranston play equipment will feature:
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a Nature 902 play module which has sliding, climbing and hanging components
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a nature play/ balance trail around the playground edges
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a basket swing
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a springer (existing).
Other features are the raised timber edging with better drainage, a timber retaining wall with seats built into the wall, the wood chip safety surfacing, and a gravel footpath with a small concrete ramp up going up into the playground.
Over the next few months, the play equipment will be ordered, tenders finalised and awarded with the construction for both playgrounds expected to start in October. The total cost for the Cranston playground is expected to be $240,000 while for Edith Hopper, it is $280,000.
Information about the playground upgrades is part of the local board’s workshop programme on 9 April available on the council website.
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