- By Damian Light, Howick Local Board chairperson
The Howick Local Board looks after 70 playgrounds across Howick, Pakuranga, Botany and Flat Bush.
These range from the local neighbourhood park through to our largest destination playgrounds that are designed to cater for longer visits.
Last week the Board was pleased to officially sign off the concept designs for the new destination playground at Barry Curtis Park.
Located off Stancombe Road, this popular playground is due for renewal so we’re taking the opportunity to give it the overhaul it deserves.
Given this is a significant investment, we wanted to make sure we involved the community.
So in April, 2023, there was a public consultation, including a drop-in event at the existing playground.
Local iwi have also been engaged and we’re grateful for the contributions of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki.
In line with public feedback, the new playground will include a wider range of play opportunities and cater for a wider range of tamariki (children).
The new design will include accessible, inclusive and sensory play opportunities.
You can expect to see more opportunities for climbing, jumping, sliding, and spinning, while ramps and flat surfaces have been carefully planned to enable accessibility.
We’ve increased the amount of fencing around the playground while ensuring it remains accessible and safe.
In keeping with the native wetland theme there will be some safe and fun ways to play with water.
Shade sails will provide shelter from the sun, while careful tree planting will act as a wind buffer as well as supporting exploration and nature play.
We’re separately looking at a significant overhaul of the nearby Wetlands Building to work better with the new playground. Look out for an update on this in the near future.
Now we’ve approved the designs, work will commence on tendering and consenting, with physical works expected to occur between February and June, 2025.
We cannot wait to share the completed project with our community.
Find out more and stay in touch
Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/howick
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HowickLB
Monthly eNewsletter: https://bit.ly/42kdAlK
