Kowhai Park

Play Priorities

When it came to upgrading the Kowhai Park playground, Manawatū District Council let its community do the talking … and the results speak for themselves! The park’s playgrounds – one for under-5s and one for older children – were previously separated by a cricket field. This distance created headaches for caregivers with different-aged children, so a priority was to bring the playgrounds closer and create an exciting, enjoyable and easier family experience. Council envisaged a challenging, adventure-themed playground that would complement the surrounding native bush. They surveyed residents for ideas and input, with local children specifically asked for feedback via a brochure during school holidays in 2020.

Fun Solution

Working with Playground Centre, the older children’s playground was reimagined – with customised “wobbly wood” towers built among the trees, slides (including a ‘statement’ green tube slide) and rope bridges for balancing, climbing and sliding adventures. Underneath the tower is a haven for hands-on accessible activities, with our amazing babel drum for music-making as well as a range of play panels. In a unique twist, a flying fox shoots straight from the tower! The under-5s playground was dismantled, fenced and moved alongside the main playground. It features a smaller play tower for imaginative role play – with balance bridge, crawl tunnel and climbing wall complemented by colourful shade sails. Park facilities add a special touch, including a bin made beautiful by native flora designs.