Navy Park

Imagination sets sail in a revitalised Dunedin playground

For generations of South Dunedin children, Navy Park was known for its distinctive timber fort and boat play structure, originally built by the New Zealand Navy. But all journeys must come to an end, and when the original playground reached the end of its usable life, it was time to make way for new, more modern play equipment.

Playground Centre worked with Dunedin City Council, Dream South D and the local community to create a timber play structure designed for adventure, connection and play. The revitalised park allows a new generation of tamariki and whānau to let their imaginations set sail, while elements of the original fort have been repurposed throughout the wider space, including a sensory woodland walk and seating near the barbecue area.

Flying favourite

Navy Park is more than a playground: it’s a community meeting place for everyone to gather and enjoy being together. Just a kilometre or two from some of the finest beaches in the world, the lovingly built wooden play fort had become a local landmark.

The challenge was to create a revitalised wāhi tākaro (play area) with all the character and appeal Navy Park had always been known for – while offering even more ways for people of different ages and abilities to enjoy the space.

Dream South D and Dunedin City Council listened carefully to South Dunedin residents throughout the planning and design process, helping ensure the renewed play and recreation space would reflect the community’s aspirations and capture its heart.

Playground Centre manufactured and supplied equipment including the fort-like wooden Activity Hex Tower with multi-coloured tube slide and a rip-roaring fun 25m flying fox attached to specially crafted timber poles. One of Playground Centre’s points of difference is our ability to adapt equipment to suit each project. This enabled the pieces for Navy Park to be custom-made with the exact configuration, materials and even colours to match the community’s vision for a unique and vibrant playspace.

Adventure and accessibility abound

It’s all about water-tight community connection at Navy Park!

Families, children and young people use Navy Park every day, with facilities including a wheelchair-accessible fountain, a sensory woodland walk and volleyball nets.

A covered BBQ area has also been added, with seating made from timber salvaged from the original fort. It provides a comfortable place for families to gather, spend time together and watch their children play.

Custom playground design and equipment in Otago, New Zealand

Playground Centre has more than 35 years’ of inclusive playground design experience in the Otago Region and New Zealand-wide. We work together with councils and community organisations to manufacture and supply outdoor play equipment, from playground climbing towers to nature play equipment including timber modular play structures.

If you’re planning a community playground, contact Playground Centre to find out how we can help shape a shared place that enriches the way your community plays – no matter how young (or young at heart) they are.