The playground at the Taumarunui Domain is about to get a major upgrade that will see new junior and senior multi-play equipment, swing zone, double flying fox, natural water play area, junior play train and accessible wheel chair carousel installed.

Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron said that the new Domain playground was part of Council’s wider revitalisation efforts in Taumarunui alongside the upgrade work on Hakiaha St, the Railway Station building, community museum, northern entrance and Cherry Grove.

“The new playground area will be a fantastic new addition to local family life as well as providing another reason for travellers to stop and spend some time in Taumarunui,” he said.

Taumarunui-Ohura Community Board Chairperson Karen Ngatai said that work on removing the old equipment and installing the new rides, attractions and fall area will mean the playground will need to be closed for around 12 weeks.

“The work is currently scheduled to start from 29 April after the up-coming school holidays with completion scheduled for mid-July,” said Ms Ngatai.

“Best efforts will be made to have areas of the current playground area unaffected by works such as climbing net and skate ramp remain open.

The upgrade that will cost $235,000 will bring the playground assets which includes a specially formulated ground fall padding in line with NZ Standards for safety.

Council agreed to have $55,000 in funding brought forward to allow the senior playground area to be installed at the same time as the junior play equipment.

Council would also like to thank the Taumarunui Lions Club who are assisting with cost of the footpath and have offered volunteer labour to reduce cost of playground installation, and Taumarunui Plumbing who will be plumbing water to the wet play area free of charge.”

Taumarunui Lions Club President Charlene Hepburn said that the Club was really excited to be involved with the project.

“As a club we will be working to raise funds for the concrete foot path surrounding the playground,” said Ms Hepburn.

“Our first fundraising opportunity will be the Lions ball held on the 6th of July, which will coincide with the Matariki Winter Festival.

Tickets for this will be on sale soon at REAP and Guys & Gals Barber Shop.

If you would like to keep up to date with what is going on check out our Taumarunui Lions Facebook Page.”

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