The play equipment at Risingholme Park 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.
Project status: Decision made
Open for feedback: 2 September 2020 to 30 September 2020
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This consultation has now closed
People were able to provide feedback from 2 September to 30 September 2020.
During this time we heard from five individuals and groups. You can read their feedback [PDF, 7 KB]. On 30 November 2020, the Waikura/Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board approved the playground landscape plan.
It’s time for a playground refresh
All of the existing equipment will be removed and replaced with new modern equipment. The playground will be located back where the original 1940s playground sat. All existing trees will remain.
Better access to the play space via a new path connecting to the existing path with a new picnic table and seat will create a more inviting area for families and picnicking.
Risingholme play space plan
What we are doing
We will remove and replace the following pieces of equipment:
Removing the carousel
Replacing with a net carousel
The net carousel suits a wide range of ages and abilities and can accommodate up to 40 children at a time. Smaller children, infants or those with limited mobility can sit or lay in the bottom basket or use the ropes to pull themselves up 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.
Removing the see-saw
Replacing with a net see-saw
Children with limited mobility can sit or lie on the slide and be rocked as well as use the ropes for support. They promote rocking, climbing, crawling, strength, balancing, cooperative play, social interaction and imaginative play.
Removing the Swing set
Replacing with a swing set with 1 basket, 2 strap seats and 1 high-backed infant seat
The basket swing can accommodate more than one child at a time and the high-backed infant swing has a more robust harness than standard infant seats. They 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.
Removing the Slide
Replacing with a stainless steel Slide
The slide is made out of stainless steel so it will not create static which can interfere with cochlea implants. They 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 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.
New set of Monkey bars
Promote swinging, hanging, climbing, crawling, strength and height awareness.
Additional seating
We plan to install additional seating which will be in keeping with the heritage of the park. One end of the picnic table is extended to make it accessible.
Park bench
Accessible picnic table
Heritage and accessibility
We’ve chosen pieces that allow for a range of play and are suitable for both the park setting and the local community. The equipment colours have been selected in consultation with Blind and Low Vision specialists. In order to keep with the heritage setting, we have selected metal equipment and Astroturf surfacing to retain the grassed playground look. Blind and Low Vision felt that yellow and blue would provide the best contrast against the green surfacing for those children and caregivers who are visually impaired.
Historic photo showing the ‘Ocean Wave’, 1945, Risingholme Park
How do playgrounds help children?
Playgrounds promote active lifestyles and 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.
Timeframe
Our next step is to gain approval for the project to start from the Waikura/Linwood - Central - Heathcote Community Board.
If you have any comments on this project that you’d like us to consider before meeting with the Board, please get in contact by Wednesday 30 September 2020.
If approved by the Community Board, we aim to start the playground renewal in Autumn 2021. The work will take approximately ten weeks to complete (subject to weather and suitable on-site conditions). We will update you before work starts.