The Pop ‘n’ Good playground in Pioneer Park, Te Awamutu will be under maintenance for six weeks from 14 February to 21 March for safety surfacing improvements.
Construction will be completed by Fluhler Contracting and will see the upgrade of the existing embankment at the slide area and will involve the temporary removal of existing equipment to allow the re-shaping of the area, and the installation of safety surfacing to improve the play experience and ensure the bank is not compromised through the high use.
Acting Community Services Manager Brad Ward said the works are to protect the bank and the tree (roots) by the slide. Children currently are not using the steps provided and are going up and down on the bank by the slide.
“We’re going to tweak the shape and design of this section of the playground to maximise the play value, but at the same time, ensure the bank and slide foundations aren’t being compromised – it’s going to be a much more pleasant experience once the team are finished.
There will be no pedestrian access via riverside path from Arawata Street to Pioneer Park while the improvements are in progress during workhours due to the heavy vehicle access needed, but the path will be reopened after hours and on the weekends.
The playground worksite will have two metre temporary fencing around it for the whole duration of construction.
The main playground at Pioneer Park will remain open and will not be affected by the works.
“Due to the heavy vehicles and concrete trucks needing access, eight carparks along Gorst Ave will be temporarily removed for safe entry.”
“Our contractors and staff will be vigilant with the safety of the area, assisting trucks with entering and exiting Gorst Ave or Arawata Street because we know it’s a very popular playground in our community.”
There will be an alternative routes in place for pedestrians and cyclists, and access routes will be reinstated as part of work completion.
