Wellington City Council release concept for innovative new playground

Wellington City Council has unveiled a new “uniquely Wellington vision” for the development of the Frank Kitts Park playground, with Wellington Mayor Justin Lester and Deputy Mayor Jill Day releasing a new concept image today.

Commenting on the development, Mayor Justin Lester explains “this has been a long time coming and we are excited to release an updated and improved design for the playground. This shows we are committed to creating a destination playground for families on our waterfront.

“The Deputy Mayor and I asked the architects to have a rethink of the first design, with the view to creating a uniquely Wellington playground. We thought the base was good, but that we could do more.

“The result is an adventure playground that has areas for all ages and will keep young Wellingtonians occupied for hours on end.”

The new design has a nautical/coastal theme which represents Wellington’s maritime links. It includes a stylised prow of a ship with ropes, masts, ships’ wheels and talk tubes. That will flow into the sea area with a fishing-net climbing frame and then to a beach area that includes the relocation and refurbishment of the park’s iconic lighthouse and slides.

Deputy Mayor Jill Day, who holds Wellington City Council’s Children and Young People portfolio, says the playground will be a highlight of the waterfront and attract families from around the region., adding “we envisage that it will be a talking point, a selfie spot, and obviously a space for Wellington families and visitors.

“My favourite part of the design is that the equipment is not prescriptive on how to use it. This encourages children to use their imagination to create their own adventures.

“There are not many things more pleasing than the sight and sound of children having fun, and this playground will give them a revitalised area for our kids in the heart of our waterfront and CBD.”

Last week it was announced that Wellington City Council had successfully defended an Environment Court challenge on the resource consent for the Frank Kitts Park redevelopment, which includes the playground.

Parties have until next Friday to lodge an appeal. 

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