Mangere to get its first destination playground

Mangere is set to get its first destination playground, thanks to Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board and Variety – the Children’s Charity.

The charity and the local board have partnered to build a destination playground at David Lange Park near Mangere Town Centre.

The $1.2m playground will include a wide range of play spaces for kids aged 0-18 years old. The playground will feature accessible play spaces for children with special needs as well as collaborative play equipment for children to engage and play together.

Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board Chair Lemauga Lydia Sosene says that the project aims to meet the playing needs of all South Auckland children and their families.

“Our tamariki deserve quality recreational spaces closer to home, playgrounds that provide everyone an equal opportunity to enjoy and have fun.

“Outdoor activity and playtime in a safe space is important for a child’s development, nurturing and well-being. The local board is working hard to ensure our communities have accessible and family-friendly spaces to meet and enjoy together.

“We thank our friends at Variety for their willingness and partnership investing in the local community to help us achieve this goal.”

Playground at David Lange Park Manegere (Photo: Nick Bakulich)

The playground will be funded by both the local board and Variety who will work collaboratively to deliver this landmark project.

Variety Chief Executive Lorraine Taylor said the charity is thrilled to work with the local board to give Kiwi kids the childhood they deserve.

“Thanks to our generous supporters, Variety has helped fund playground re-development at Coyle Park in Pt Chevalier and Long Bay Regional Park. Both playgrounds are designed to be inclusive and with all-access play spaces that are accessible to children of varying abilities, including children with disabilities. 

“It is our desire to develop the Variety Playground at David Lange Park as one that gives all children the chance to come together and play as part of a happier and healthier childhood.”

The design elements of the playground will reflect the Mangere community.

Main features in the playground would include:

• play for all age from 0-18 years
• accessible play with provision for a wide range of physical and mental needs
• tactile stimuli and musical play
• opportunities to experience risk and challenge
• nature play
• wheeled play facilities
• shade from large specimen trees
• seating and picnicking space to accommodate large groups with accessible provision
• drinking fountains
• accessible car parking, pathway networks and toilets.

A concept plan for the playground will be designed in 2020 and the playground development is expected to be completed by April 2022.