Playground plans released

31 August 2016

Plans for an expansive new playground at Te Awamutu have been released for public comment.

Waipa District Council has set aside $395,000 to expand the current playground by the Trust Waikato Te Awamutu Events Centre and build a new play space in Pioneer Park by the Mangaohoi Stream.

Community facilities manager Bruce Airey said the playground expansion and upgrade is part of the wider Te Awamutu hub project which will be anchored by the new library and potentially a discovery centre.

"In May much of the self-seeded vegetation along the Mangaohoi Stream was removed to open up the stream and Pioneer Walk and to prepare for the playground expansion," Airey said.

"This is the kind of project we will chip away at over time but it's important the community sees the big picture and understands what sort of things we have in mind for the space. While we have developed some initial concepts alongside the Te Awamutu Community Board, we haven't finalised the plans yet so we're keen to hear what people think."

Airey said the priority area was likely to be the existing play space between the top terrace and Pioneer Walk. New playground equipment could include slides, ladders, ropes, a play tower, water feature and picnic facilities for families.

"Consideration is also being given to building a bike skills park in the future but there is more work to be done before we can more definitive about that."

The Council is seeking public comment via its Facebook page or Have your say web page and wants to hear from people by September 20.

Work is scheduled to begin on the playground in March or April next year.

For more information, contact: Jeanette Tyrrell 027 5077 599