Playground launch next week will pack a punch

Lower Hutt will have one of the most contemporary playgrounds in the country when Avalon Park Playground reopens next month.

The playground, between Harcourt Werry and Taita Drive, will unveil many of its new features with a public launch on 11 September.

The launch will include special activities and entertainment for children and families, as well as allowing them to try the new play equipment and the specially-designed landscape features for the first time.

Hutt City Council Reserves Planner Kelly Crandle says the playground is being completely transformed and the combination of play equipment and landscape features will make it one of the most extensive and contemporary playgrounds in New Zealand.

Ms Crandle says the only comparable playground is Christchurch’s popular Margaret Mahey Family Playground, which opened last December.

But Avalon Park will have its own unique features, including a custom-made structure called the Helix, which appears to crawl across the playground in a series of spirals, she says.

“The large pad of rubber matting with play equipment plonked on top is a thing of the past.

“Modern playgrounds not only provide plenty of opportunities for physical play, but they’re designed for sensory and imaginative play. This means Avalon Park Playground will be enjoyed by many more children.”

The playground has also included suggestions made by children, including a large twin flying fox and trampolines.

Ms Crandle says Lower Hutt residents will love the mix of play equipment, sandpits, water play, numerous climbing opportunities and flying fox which will be completed in the next few weeks. The playground will also be a magnet for visitors from the region and beyond.

“It certainly will be a place that grandkids and families visiting from out of town should experience. After all the hard work making it a reality, it will soon be time to play.”

The Avalon Park Playground launch will run from 10am to 2pm on 11 September.