- By Damian Light, Howick Local Board chairperson
The Howick Local Board oversees and maintains more than 70 playgrounds in the area, but rising costs are making it difficult to deliver what our community needs.
We’re working hard to maintain what we’ve got, but with a limited budget and rising costs, it’s a challenge.
We’ve also heard some of our playgrounds aren’t very exciting and lack opportunities for all ages. Too many of them look the same and only cater to a small age group.
We need to make sure we’re providing opportunities for everyone.
As our population grows and changes, we need to adapt our playgrounds to respond to the changing needs of our communities.
Our larger playgrounds (like Howick Domain and Cockle Bay Reserve) have become popular destinations for families, with many other communities asking for something similar in their area.
We know we need more accessible, inclusive, and interesting play options across Howick, Pakūranga, Botany, and Flat Bush.
We’ve tasked staff with investigating ways to unlock less formal play like tree swings, adventurous nature spaces, and more.
These options are fun, relatively cheap, and can be spread across our neighbourhoods.
We’re excited to share these with you soon. However, playgrounds remain vital in providing play opportunities.
We need a more strategic approach beyond just fixing what’s broken and we’ve asked staff to develop a plan that will deliver more.
To deliver play spaces are creative, inclusive, unique, and cater to all ages, we’re seeking feedback on:
- What you use playgrounds for;
- How well you think the playgrounds provide play options for different age groups;
- Which activities you or your family regularly take part in when they use council-owned open spaces and parks;
- If you prefer skate parks and bike pump tracks next to, or separate from, other play areas;
- How easily can you access information about council playgrounds, play areas and amenities like toilets and seating areas.
The consultation is open for feedback until Sunday, February 9, 2025. You can have your say in your local library or online at: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/howick-local-board-playgrounds
To find out more and stay in touch:
Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/howick
Facebook: facebook.com/HowickLB
Monthly eNewsletter: https://bit.ly/42kdAlK
