The play space is being built between the skate bowl and the children’s bike track beside Adelaide Road, opposite Wakefield Park.
Features will include a 5.5 metre-high central climbing tower with a high slide and a 30-metre flying fox. Also included is accessible play equipment such as a carousel and basket swing.
The site is now fenced off for construction and two medium-sized pohutukawas will be shifted so they are not damaged during the earthworks. The project is due to be completed by May.
Deputy Mayor Jill Day, who holds Wellington City Council’s Children and Young People Portfolio, and Southern Ward City Councillors Fleur Fitzsimons and David Lee, are not surprisingly very pleased to see work starting on the $500,000 play space.
Cr Day says the project is part of the Council’s Play Spaces Policy finalised in 2017. “Our aim is to focus on play spaces around the city that are accessible to as many children as possible. This play space, and its location, fits the bill perfectly.”
Cr Fitsimons says the Council consulted with local residents last year to confirm the location and the final design. More than 90 percent of respondents favoured the chosen location.
“Children participated in the consultation about this playground including providing detailed and useful art work about what should be included.
“While we haven’t included all their ideas, there’ll be scooter stands, a water fountain and decent shade as well as the flying fox, basket swing and a high slide.
“The playground will be in the spot favoured by the children and I’m pleased the Council has listened to children about what they want in their playground.”
Cr Lee says the intention is to install a pedestrian crossing on Adelaide Road, adjacent to the new play space, to improve safety for children crossing the road from Wakefield Park.