Destination playground design unveiled for Leamington Domain
Leamington Domain is set to be transformed next year with a new destination playground featuring water, sand, and nature-themed play areas.
The finalised design has come to life thanks to community input from consultation on the Leamington Domain Masterplan last year.
Community services manager Brad Ward said the design tells the unique story of the area and will create a distinctive play space that will stand out within the Waipā District.
“We have collaborated with mana whenua, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura to incorporate cultural values and stories into the design, focusing on the deep connections between land, people, the river and settlements.”
The playground theme draws inspiration from the historic use of borrow pits in Māori gardening and crop cultivation on the marae.
“The domain is already a popular space for whānau, and we wanted to design a family-friendly space that added value to the park, with equipment to suit all ages. The new space will allow tamariki to explore and learn, with a variety of options from nature play to a large rope obstacle structure.”
Some of the other features include a toddler mound and slide, a kumara flower bowl spinner, timber hut, trampoline, slides, musical play and a three-bay swing set.
“Wherever possible we have added equipment and furniture that is accessible to all ages and abilities including an accessible carousel, swing, picnic tables, and BBQ.”
The iconic domain steam roller will stay in the park but be relocated to a more interactive position allowing it to better connect with the other play features.
“Where possible we always make an effort to reuse playground equipment, providing it is in good condition. The slide will be reused at the domain and the large swings will be relocated to another site.”
Funding for the $1.5 million project was confirmed earlier this year in the Enhanced Annual Plan.
Construction is set to start in early February and will be completed in May. During this time the existing playground and toilet will be closed, and the Cambridge Model Engineering Society will temporarily suspend operations due to health and safety risks.
To view the playground design visit waipadc.govt.nz/leamingtondomain
