Ōmokoroa playground construction kicks off
Construction of Ōmokoroa Domain’s new million-dollar playground has officially begun, kicking off the construction of a feature that will undoubtedly become a drawcard for kids and adults alike.
Downer was awarded the playground construction contract in July, but works have been delayed until the final pieces of play equipment arrived from overseas.
Council’s Reserves and Facilities Projects and Assets Manager, Scott Parker says “We’re thrilled the final playground pieces have arrived, it’s meant construction can get underway and the playground will be ready for use in summer.
“It’s been a long journey to get to this point. We undertook thorough community consultation over 18 months with tangata whenua, representatives from the community, businesses and schools.
“The final playground was designed to echo our community voices and provide a space for everyone to connect and have fun.”
The new playground equipment will include a tower slide structure, a new double rope swing that replaces the old lullaby, trampolines, tunnels and a hamster wheel, creating a new recreation experience for all.
Local schools Ōmokoroa No 1, Ōmokoroa Point, Pahoia, Whakamarama and Te Puna also got involved in the design of the play equipment, giving the project team some inspiration by bringing their ideas for the playground to life with models.
Scott says, “The effort and enthusiasm from students was great, and we’ve done our best to reflect their ideas.”
The new fit-for-purpose playground is an important part of the Ōmokoroa Domain upgrade which will ultimately include a boardwalk along The Esplanade and foreshore, a covered BBQ, footpaths, fitness equipment and landscaping.
The playground upgrade is funded through a mix of existing asset renewal funding and capital works funding.
For more information about this project, visit: www.westernbay.govt.nz/omokoroa-playground-upgrade
About the Ōmokoroa Peninsula Projects
It is estimated that by 2050, the Ōmokoroa peninsula will be fully developed and home to 12,000 residents. To cater for this significant growth and the need for continuing improvements to the peninsula’s infrastructure, Council is undertaking a series of projects – roading, reserves, cycleways, stormwater, building and planning – between now and 2022.
Overall, there are more than 15 Council-initiated projects, along with private development, and which includes collaboration with tangata whenua, Pirirākau hapū; the Ministry of Education; and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. The total projects are estimated to cost $50 million, of which $14 million is co-funded by the Government under its Shovel Ready Infrastructure Programme.
For more information on current projects, visit Council’s ‘Ōmokoroa Peninsula Projects’ webpage and story map at www.westernbay.govt.nz/omokoroaprojects.
