A concept design for Ahi-Pūmau-Jutland Road Recreation Reserve has been approved.
However, Franklin Local Board has asked Auckland Council staff to investigate fencing the playground and to assess the environmental risks of some materials commonly used for surface treatments.
Board chair Angela Fulljames says members have asked staff to report back on fencing and its costs because of its own and wider community concerns around safety at playgrounds next to busy roads.
“We have also asked our staff to consider what we are using for surface treatments in the play area, largely because we are concerned that some products – particularly those using plastic, can break down and release unwanted elements into the environment.
“Staff will need to balance accessibility and maintenance outcomes with leaching and degradation.”
The board has approved $400,000 for the project, a significant increase to what had previously been budgeted, to enable a higher level and variety of play experiences.
The concept design has been developed using feedback from the community.
“That’s included a workshop with Tamaoho School tamariki and their feedback has been incorporated,” Pukekohe subdivision member and board deputy chair Alan Cole says.
“I’ll look forward to seeing the space evolve. We have done similar work alongside the Clarks Beach community, where a new playground is almost ready.
“The people there have been so important to what has happened, and that’s how it should be because we are building for the communities we serve.”
Fellow subdivision member Andrew Kaye says the latest move means council staff can progress the project to detailed design, consenting and construction.
“We will get progress reports as part of our Parks and Community Facilities quarterly updates, but all that matters is that the community gets a facility it has helped design and that will lift the quality of life for the children in a rapidly growing area.”
Jutland Road is a park with large open spaces. The existing playground caters for one to four-year-olds and for younger children aged five to nine.
The current playground is small, while the wider area contains a grass area that’s currently underused, and large trees.
“Ultimately the park is not in great shape and really doesn’t meet the needs of the community, so we are very much looking forward to putting that right.”
The decision means detailed design can take place over the coming weeks, contracts can be let and physical work scheduled, with the aim of completion by the end of May next year.
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