Colourful revival for a much-loved community playspace
After nearly 40 years, the playground at Dunedin Botanic Gardens has been transformed, reopening as an exciting and inclusive space for everyone to enjoy.
Designed mainly for children aged 0–12, it creates more ways to play – from early explorers to older kids chasing bigger challenges, with plenty for adults keen to join in the fun.
Playground Centre partnered with Dunedin City Council to design and deliver the playground, including bespoke equipment and installation. Bright soft-fall surfacing paired with natural bark soft-fall surfacing, and timber play structures, gives the space a fun, welcoming feel that sits beautifully within its garden setting.
A vision of adventure and inclusion
Working with Council, Playground Centre designed a more diverse, appealing and accessible community playspace, developing detailed site and installation plans to support construction. Built through rain, frosts and snow, the project pressed forward – and play found its way!
Inclusivity runs through the whole space, with equipment that supports different ways of moving, playing and joining in. A 5-metre tower stands proud, customised with a wheelchair ramp to the first platform. It also boasts two tube slides and an accessible stainless steel slide.
A specially designed climbing structure and scramble net caters to different confidence levels. Inspired by the latest European designs, and made in New Zealand, the challenge increases as you move from one end of the structure to the other. The lower end is suited for younger climbers, while more capable and intrepid children, teens and adults can explore and test their skills on the higher end.
The large space also includes in-ground trampolines (including a wheelchair-friendly option), an accessible multi-person spinner (for dizzying shared fun) and a range of swings for different ages and stages.
The council worked with mana whenua, to create a playground design that is inspired by the story of Mahuika and Māui – a well-known Māori legend highlighting Māui’s cleverness and playful nature. Illustrations of native flora and fauna that inhabit the forest floor specific to the Otago region are embedded in the playground, weaving through the narrative of how Māui brought fire to the world.
Benefits beyond play
The new playground creates more opportunities for children of different ages and abilities to play side by side – supporting early social connection, understanding and participation.
The upgrade also strengthens the area’s appeal as a high-quality public space, helping reinforce Dunedin’s reputation as one of New Zealand’s most liveable cities and a great place to visit.
Grounded in local cultural storytelling – and supported by non-profit group The Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden – this collaborative project will remain a meaningful public space for years to come.
Design and build your community’s dream playspace
Playground Centre collaborates with councils and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand’s North and South Islands, including the Otago region, to design and build inspiring, safe and inclusive playgrounds that maximise the fun for everyone.
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