“This space brings the community together. The park caters for multiple abilities too, so we get compliments from families that otherwise have to travel out of the community for their children to participate in play.’”
Situated in the heart of Paerata Rise we have created an all-abilities community playground with a big focus on providing something for all ages, even the parents, who can grab a coffee at the café that overlooks the space.
This led the design to be centred around a ‘big’ and ‘little’ fort, with side by side combat courses that varied in challenge to link the spaces.
Kylie Bosanac of Bosanac Builders approached us to design and build the playground at Paerata Rise. She stated that the “vision for the playground was that it would reflect the rural setting of the development. We had seen your work and knew you were the right people to catch that vision!”
Through initial discussions it was clear that it was important to weave in key values and moments in history. Kylie describes it as, “commemorating the client’s story through play”. The playground showcases a series of key figures and historical land features woven through the playscape. These included a Pink and White Terraces themed waterplay area reflecting Te Paea and her lifesaving vision before the Tarawera explosion. The slope of the site was utilised to create this tiered water play space inclusive of water gates and jets. Water is not just fun to play with but provides our little ones with a variety of educational benefits including developing hand-eye coordination, problem solving and sharing with others.
Waharoa styled gateways connect the park with the local iwi. Rough sawn timber farm style playhouses scattered around rolling hills of turf reflect the farming lifestyle of the surrounding areas. The playground flows down to a grandstand which looks across the sports field below, creating a multifunctional recreational space that brings the community together with a nod to the nearby Wesley College.
On her experience with working with Playscape, Kylie said “the team were full of ideas and enthusiasm. They were responsive with questions, flexible, knowledgeable and professional as we worked to gain approvals. The communication the whole way through has been great!”
With a vision of the playground being a hub for the new community, Kylie has said that “This space brings the community together. Paerata Rise already had the cafe – but was just missing the aspect of play to complete the community hub. Everyone has loved the setting and unique features. The park caters for multiple abilities too, so we get compliments from families that otherwise have to travel out of the community for their children to participate in play.’
The most favourite feature? “Hands down – the waterplay area with the splash pad! Summer, winter, rain or shine – it is always busy there!”.