Dunedin Botanic Garden playground expands play opportunities

The new children’s playground at the Dunedin Botanic Garden is scheduled to open on Tuesday 1st October and offers an inclusive, accessible experience.

The project is the biggest overhaul of the playground since the previous area was opened in 1985.

The new playground will continue to cater to younger users, but a range of new structures expands play opportunities for both younger and older children.

The playground includes:

• 5metre tower featuring two tube slides, as well as an accessible stainless steel slide

• large wooden climbing structure with commando nets to allow for a range of ages and experience

• recessed, wheelchair-friendly trampoline + 2 other trampolines

• accessible roundabout

• a series of swings

• “jumping jacks” (balance-challenging steps)

The overall design incorporates wider spaces to enable a more inclusive environment and features upgraded safety provisions, new soft-fall surfacing, new seating and an improved picnic area.

Jeanette Wikaira, General Manager Art, Culture and Recreation noted “we are aware of the public’s excitement around this new facility. We, too, are excited.

“Although we had hoped to open the playground at the very start of the school holidays, recent weather conditions have created a few challenges.

“In particular, the glue used for the recently laid soft-fall surface needs time to cure. Additionally, our staff are still laying lawn, doing some gentle landscaping and tidying up the area.

“So we ask for just a little more patience to ensure the area will be in tip-top condition and able to be enjoyed for many years to come.”

“We are excited about this project and hope others will be, too.

“We believe it significantly improves on the previous playground. We hope it will bring much joy to youngsters, parents and others.”

The DCC worked with mana whenua through their consultancy arm Aukaha to develop playground designs inspired by the legend of Mahuika and Māui, a well-known narrative that showcases Māui’s playfulness and trickery.

Illustrations of native flora and fauna that inhabit the forest floor specific to the Otago region will be embedded in the playground, weaving through the narrative of how Māui brought fire to the world.

The Dunedin City Council has worked closely with the Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden and acknowledges the generous contribution they have made to the cost of the community playground.

Sam Moncur, President of the Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden shared “We are excited to support this project, which represents a significant rejuvenation of a much-loved area.

“We hope many children, both young and older, enjoy the new playground.”