A concept design for the Clive Howe Road Recreation Reserve playground has been approved by Franklin Local Board, with the project now progressing to design and construction.
Board chair Angela Fulljames says the board has allocated $360,000, an increase of $190,000, to previously approved funding to enable more variety at the upgraded playground.
A workshop was held with tamariki from Patumahoe School and their feedback was incorporated into the design.
Clive Howe Recreation Reserve is a sports park next to the school with large open space for all types of recreational activity. The existing playground caters for toddlers to 12-year-olds.
“The playground is small, has an adjoining under-used grass area, and is surrounded by beautiful large trees,” Fulljames says.
The last inspection of the park revealed the playground was in poor condition, with mostly old equipment.
Staff also engaged with schools, mana whenua and the community, with a need for a variety of play experiences identified.
“The community told us active play such as running, jumping, climbing, and kicking were needed, and we have also incorporated sensory play though using different textures throughout the park, and imaginative play,” says board deputy chair Alan Cole.
He says the improvements will also improving sightlines and clear vegetation to provide a safer environment for park users.
It is anticipated that detailed design will be completed in November ahead of procurement work before the end of the year, with the actual build completed in May.
The concept design is here. It ensures children with different levels of ability have options, provides for planting to soften the boundary of the play space, and includes a timber fence to fully enclose the playground.
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