|
The call is out, Ōtara! The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and local youth groups are asking you to help choose the new playground location inside Ōtara Town Centre.
In November 2024, the local board agreed to move the town centre playground. Work to kick off the project began in late January 2025, starting with the removal of the playground and nearby seating to make way for something better.
This exciting project is being led by Ōtara’s finest and passionate local youth groups like TOPs (The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Squad), PACT, Ōtara Youth Hub, TYLA Youth Development Trust, Adullam Boys, and many more! This is youth-led, real, and all about making moves that matter.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, “This is your chance Ōtara! Especially our young people. You make the decisions about the new playground at the Ōtara Town Centre!
"We want to empower our young people to decide on things that they will use. Nobody knows what's best for youth than the youth themselves."
Why is the playground moving?
The board heard the communities’ concerns about anti-social behaviour near the current playground at Bairds Road Reserve. After looking at the options, they have decided it’s time for a fresh start in a new location - with brand-new play equipment and new seating too!
The old playground equipment will be reused somewhere else.
Where could the new playground go?
There are four options for the new playground - all right in the town centre:
-
Option 1: The central plaza area
-
Option 2: By the library entrance
-
Option 3: Next to the medical centre
-
Option 4: In front of the Ōtara Pool and Leisure Centre
Check out the images to see each spot and imagine where the fun could go!
Get in on the fun — here’s how!
This is your town centre and your chance to help shape it. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, young person, senior or someone who just loves your community - your opinion matters.
-
Jump online and complete the form or find out other ways to have your say
-
Join a drop-in session:
Ōtara Music Arts Centre (OMAC), 46 Fair Mall
- Friday 6 June at 6:00pm
-
Email your feedback form:
communityconsultation@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
What happens after you give feedback?
Your feedback will help the youth groups choose the location and shape the design of the new playground:
-
Now - 20 June 2025
Consultation is open to all.
-
July – August 2025
Your feedback will help the youth groups leading this project choose the new playground design and make the final decision, which they will then present to the Local Board.
-
October 2025
Local board to approve the proposed recommendation. -
November 2025 – March 2026
Preparations for construction begin. -
April – June 2026
Playground construction is expected to start.
Stay up to date
Sign up for your Local Board E-news and get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month. Or follow us on Facebook.
