Omokoroa's new 'fantastical' playground announced

The Western Bay Of Plenty District Council has announced exciting new plans for a $1.04 million playground to be developed and replace the current playground on the Domain foreshore. 

The new playground will begin development in March 2021 and will be finished early June 2021. It will feature swings, trampolines, tunnels, climbing structures and a hamster wheel. The district council had been in talks for 18-months with tangata whenua, representatives of the elderly, health and disability communities, local businesses and the five local schools within Pirirākau’s rohe – Omokoroa No 1, Omokoroa Point, Pahoia, Whakamarama and Te Puna. The schools’ involvement was key to the final concept plan as pupils took part in modelling their own creations of what they envisioned in the playground. 

"It is really important to create a playground that is reflective of all community voices and makes sure we have the social spaces to let people connect with their neighbourhood, their whanau and each other," says Council’s Reserves and Facilities Projects and Asset Manager, Scott Parker. 

"“The project team valued the input and great enthusiasm of the local school children and we did our best to reflect their ideas in the final concept design. We’re also working with Pirirākau to ensure the cultural elements of the design is reflected in the build.”

Two very nostalgic and popular features of the old playground, the 'Lullaby Swing' and 'tractor' will be retired after the parks rebuild. The tractor will be returned to its original owner and the lullaby swing will be replaced with a more modern alternative. Growing health and safety concerns meant to the two attractions needed to be replaced and retired, a decision that was supported by Omokoroa Community Board.

The playground is part of the wider Omokoroa Domain Concept Plan which includes several other future upgrades in addition to the playground.

Check out some of the new designs below...