Armitage Reserve playground renewal

It's time for a playground refresh. We want to know what you think about the equipment we’ve picked. We’ve chosen pieces that allow for a range of play and are suitable for both the park setting and the local community.

We’ve made a decision on the Armitage Reserve playground renewal. 

Thanks for taking the time to let us know your views.  Waimāero/Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board decided to approve the updated plan, on Monday 3 August 2020.

You can view the meeting minutes, which include the formal resolutions, online at christchurch.infocouncil.biz (external link)

What happens next?

We expect construction to begin in late 2020.

Consultation has now closed

 Consultation on Armitage Reserve playground has now closed. People were able to provide feedback from 14 November to 5 December 2019.

During this time we heard from 21 individuals and groups. You can read their feedback [PDF, 693 KB]. 

Changes to the proposal 

We considered all feedback, including input from the project team, the following changes are being recommended:

• The existing large slide will remain in the same location within Armitage Reserve.  This will address community requests for a slide to be included.  In the future the slide will require removal when it no longer meets health and safety standards and funding will be sourced at that time to replace the slide with a new slide.
• The spring rocker toy (race car) has been removed, so the budget can instead go towards a larger swing set.
• A two-bay swing set, larger than originally proposed has been included, with one infant seat and two strap seats.

Updated Armitage Playground Plan

Decision-making meeting

A staff report recommending approval of the Armitage playground will be presented to the Waimāero/Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board:

Date:      Monday 3 August 2020    

Time:     4.30pm 

Venue:   Fendalton Service Centre, Jeffreys Road, Fendalton

If approved, we expect construction to start in late  2020. 

The play equipment at Armitage Reserve is nearing the end of its useable lifespan. It’s time to get some new equipment for a range of ages and abilities that’s safe, easy to maintain and meets the New Zealand Playground Standards.

We need to move the playground so it is no longer under the power pylons. This also means the playground is closer to the street to improve access and is further away from the nearby houses to limit noise.

All of the existing equipment will be removed and replaced with new modern equipment. The smaller area available for the playground (away from the pylons) will mean there will be less equipment. We have tried to include pieces that will appeal to children with a range of abilities.  All existing trees will remain.

Better access to the play space via a new sealed path, a picnic table, new plants and some new trees will create a more inviting area for families and picnics.

Swings

Swings help with balance, coordination, fine motor skills (gripping the chain) and gross motor skills (pumping legs to swing higher). These movements help the brain learn to make sense of speed and direction.

Swing set

Space shuttle spinner

The space shuttle spinner suits a wide range of ages and abilities. Smaller children and infants can sit or lay in the bottom basket and be spun around. Older children can climb up to the next level and either spin themselves around or see how high they can climb. This piece also promotes group cooperation.

Space Shuttle Spinner

Rockers

Rockers integrate multiple senses, including balance, tactile and an awareness of the position and movement of the body. To use this equipment, children need to climb up which promotes coordination. It’s also a way to learn directions—up, down, left and right and to develop problem solving and the ability to predict what’s going to happen.

You have a choice between these two rockers:

Racing Car rocker OR Dinosaur rocker

How do playgrounds help children?

Playgrounds promote active lifestyles and promote child development. They help children to develop their imagination and social skills such as sharing, taking turns and joining conversations. These interactions teach children verbal and non-verbal communication. Playground play also improves body awareness, balance and coordination.

The equipment included in the plan has been designed to appeal to children of all ages and encourage the development of a variety of essential skills.

Next steps

Once the consultation period has closed, the project team will analyse the feedback and produce a report which will make recommendations to the Waimāero/Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board.  We expect a decision from the board in February 2020. 

If you provide feedback you will receive an update ahead of the decision meeting. It will include the staff recommendations, details about the decision meeting and how to request to speak to the board if you wish to do so.

If approved, we expect construction of the playground to start in May/June 2020, subject to weather and contractor availability.