Lakefront playground construction due to begin
13 July 2020
Lakefront playground construction due to begin
Work on the next section of the Rotorua lakefront development will get underway this week, with local contractor Campbell Infrastructure commencing work on our new and exciting lakefront playground.
Initially this will involve some tree felling and the creation of a temporary bus-turning circle. This work will be completed between 15 and 23 July. While this work is underway there will be traffic management in place along Lakefront Drive.
On Monday 20 July, the current lakefront playground (the Volcanic Playground) will be fenced off and work will begin in this area. This will largely involve the removal of some of the current playground and the installation of new play equipment, seating and picnic areas. Further redevelopment of the Volcanic Playground area will be undertaken in later stages, to avoid construction during school holidays and to try to ensure some playground equipment is always available.
Work in this existing playground area, as well as in the new extended area of the playground, will be completed in stages between now and the end of 2021.
Once this work is complete the new playground will be three times bigger than it currently is and suitable for all ages and abilities. The new playground will have a greater play landscape, more space for gatherings, and improved accessibility.
In the planning stage of this project, local tamariki participated in workshops with the playground designers to share their ideas about what the playground could include. These ideas have been incorporated into the final playground design. The new playground will include two large smooth surface loops for bikes, scooters and skateboards, dual flying foxes, a basketball half court, a nest swing, a rope course with slide, a pendulum swing and net see-saw, spaces to sit, relax, and watch the action, and much more.
While construction is underway, families are encouraged to explore other playgrounds and parks around Rotorua that have recently been refurbished.
Other playgrounds and parks to explore:
- Jean Batten Square between Haupapa Street and Arawa Street
- Kuirau Park playground, foot pools, and basketball court off Pukuatua Street and Ranolf Street
- Taikākā, Rotorua Reorua playground, Government Gardens
- Huia Lyons playground on Wrigley Road
- Puketawhero Park on Te Ngae Road
Rotorua Lakes Council has received a $19.9 million Provincial Growth Fund investment, which will be used alongside $20.1 million of co-funding from Council, to transform this recreational, economic and cultural resource between now and 2021. The lakefront design has been made possible through the support of our partners, the Gifted Reserves Committee (Pukeroa Ōruawhata Trust) and Te Arawa Lakes Trust. The design reflects the heritage and ongoing contribution of Ngāti Whakaue and Te Arawa to the Rotorua district. Together, our vision is to develop the lakefront into an outstanding recreational area that will benefit locals, support tourism, and encourage private investment, which will in turn create new jobs and benefit Rotorua's community.
More information on this project is available at visiontoaction.nz.