The Kāpiti Coast District Council's refreshing six Kāpiti playgrounds over the next financial year, and is asking residents to have their say on what they’d like to see.

Parks and Recreation Manager Alison Law says each year, a selection of playgrounds are upgraded for safety reasons, and it’s the perfect opportunity for locals to have a say in the future of their neighbourhood playground.

“We have 49 playgrounds in neighbourhoods across Kapiti, and each year we upgrade a selection of them from across the District. We carefully monitor all our playground equipment to make sure it stays safe for everyone to play on. This is measured against national standards, and this coming financial year there are six up for renewal, because some of the equipment’s reaching the end of its safe shelf life.”

Playgrounds up for a full refresh include Campbell Park, Paekākāriki; Mazengarb Reserve, Paraparaumu; Marere Avenue, Paraparaumu; and Pharazyn Avenue, Waikanae Beach. Waimeha Domain, Waikanae Beach will get a partial renewal, and Tasman Reserve in Ōtaki will get an additional piece of equipment.

“Whether your kids are two or twelve, if these playgrounds are in your neck of the woods, we want to hear your ideas for what you want to see at your park. Have your say by completing the survey at the park, online, or come along to our playground tour events to have a chat to the team.”

Ms Law says once the ideas are gathered from the community, the aim will be to keep the playgrounds accessible, fun and varied.

“When we upgrade playgrounds, we do our best to make sure they cater for a wide range of abilities. They need to meet the needs of the children that use them, and their caregivers. That’s why we need to hear from the people that use them. Once the surveys close, we’ll look at the set budgets we have for each playground and aim to provide new equipment that meets the criteria, fits with what we can afford and meets community needs. Our team works hard to be creative to make sure we get the best solution with the money available.”

Ms Law says because the equipment has reached the end of its safe life it means, in most cases, it can’t be repurposed, but where possible, materials will be reused or recycled if it can be done safely.”

More information about the upgrades, and the dates and times for playground tours can be found at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/playgrounds. Surveys close 10 May 2019.

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