Newtown Park

Cool community playground which fits in perfectly with the surroundings.”

Smack bang in the middle of the action

Wellington City Council had a vision to create an inviting, inclusive and fun-fuelled play space for the Newtown neighbourhood. In the spirit of collaboration, locals input was not only requested, but encouraged. A playground designed by the community for the community. Refreshing the existing play area to create a new and invigorating space, we were delighted to bring to life the vision, providing an inclusive space that reflects the natural environment.

Bordered by the Wellington Zoo and the Newtown Athletics Stadium, the recreation area can be enjoyed by both locals and visitors to the region. In line with the Council’s vision to create an inclusive play experience nestled into the environment, the playground equipment incorporates natural-style features and caters for the diverse needs of the neighbourhood. The playground maximises the fun by providing multiple ways for children of all ages and abilities, and their parents and caregivers, to engage in active, healthy, social play and leisure.

Collaboration

Positioned on a gently sloping site with services snaking underground, the site presented challenges that required thoughtful navigation. Playground Centre, in consultation with Wellington City Council ensured the community’s vision was achieved, while optimising value and adhering to budget to create a customised recreational space.

Artfully combining individual elements with communal pieces, the playground offers a space where children have the freedom to choose to play on the stand-alone equipment or engage in big adventures and collaborative play pursuits with their fellow park-goers on the many interactive play structures. Refurbished pieces alongside new and innovative play equipment provide endless opportunities for imaginative and inclusive adventuring. Newtown Park play area is a vibrant and welcoming space designed with the community in mind, inspiring creative and inventive play in children of all ages.

Solution

Opportunities for creative and adventurous play abound in this exciting and exhilarating playground. Thoughtfully laid out with safe, soft artificial grass as a safety surfacing, the play space features multiple zones, each incorporating new and refurbished equipment for energy-fuelled fun, whether flying solo or with others. The natural space is an invitation for all to enjoy the great outdoors, with a picnic table invites family feasting and ample seats and shading ensures everyone enjoys their play and relaxation in comfort.

The playground centres around a functional and fun-tastic natural wooden Treehouse  inviting children, from toddlers to teens, to play amongst the treetops. Featuring a rope ladder, and a wide wooden stairs, the treehouse brings adventurers together to race each other down the dual slippery slide or zip around the fireman’s pole.  

The fabulous hardwood Caterpillar rocker sits multiple adventurers for interactive wibbly-wobbly fun. Designed to look like the hungry caterpillar from the famous picture book of the same name, wee ones will squeal with delight when they see their favourite character has come to play. The  sturdy metal Swing Set  blends seamlessly with the environment and a perfect place to soar high and dream big, lying with friends in the Flying Saucer Basket or swinging side by side on the traditional swing seats.

Park-goers can stimulate the senses with the Inclusive Spinning Bucket, watching the clouds zip by and the ground whirl below. Super safe with a high back and handgrips and a lowered front so even the smallest thrill-seeker can easily clamber aboard. An inviting and vibrant hub of activity and recreation with ample open space for games and activities, this playground is a lively haven where kids can unleash their energy and creativity, and parents and caregivers can join in the frenetic fun or relax and watch the action unfold.