Source: Whangarei District Council
Updated: 2/04/2020 10:38 a.m.
While all Whangārei playgrounds are currently closed to help stop the spread of Covid-19, we have some good news for users of the Town Basin Playground.
The popular playground, next to the Hātea Loop and Clapham’s Clock Museum, will be getting a major makeover and exciting new play equipment.
The climbing spiderweb frame will remain and be joined by a two-story slide tower, in-ground trampolines, a climbing circuit, new swings and lots more.
To make it safer for children, a raised mound and fence will be built between the playground and the carpark and the adjoining part of the Hātea Loop will be realigned away from the river.
There will also be inclusive play options for children with mixed abilities.
The playground will be closed for construction for three months after the Government lockdown ends. The Town Basin Car Park and Hātea Loop will remain open during this time.
The manager of Council’s Infrastructure Planning & Capital Works Department, Shelley Wharton, says the new playground will have a completely new design and lots of exciting new play equipment. “We arrived at this design after extensive community consultation. The playground will have a Time and Tide theme fitting into the surrounding context of the clock museum, new Ball Clock and Hātea River.”
“Sound play will be introduced with bongo drums, talking tubes and other music makers. The playground will also have new safety matting and shade from the summer sun.”
The redesigned playground will complement the play experience offered at the soon to be built new Town Basin park, next to the Canopy Bridge, and Pohe Island Destination Playground, planned to be built in 2022.
