Balance Play Parks introduced into New Zealand

February 11, 2019

The Numat Group have launched innovative Scandinavian play range Balance Parks into New Zealand, installing a range of balance play elements at Oamaru's Friendly Bay playground.

Balance Parks are an innovation made popular in Norway, bringing together a range of balance play elements - slacklines, balance balls, steppers, mini-trampolines and playground safety surfacing - to offer a challenging balance course for kids (and adults) to test their balance skills on.

Built with safety in mind, each park comes with high-quality safety surfacing that correctly meets critical fall height standards and maintains safety across the entire surface area.

Numat Marketing Executive Jon Coursey explained "we see them as an exciting alternative to the traditional swings, slides and roundabouts style of playground. Judging by the feedback we've had from Councils and communities around New Zealand, Kiwis are ready for something a bit different in their local parks and playgrounds.

"Given the rise in popularity of new sports like Parkour and Competitive Tag, we expect these parks will be a huge success."

With a variety of course combinations, Balance Parks encourage group and competitive play involving running, jumping, climbing, and balancing.

Started in 1995 by father and son duo Peter and Mike Judd, Oamaru-based Numat began as a playground surfacing company before expanding into agricultural surfacing. Over the last 10 years, has become one of New Zealand's leading surfacing companies, with major projects in all parts of the country including Margaret Mahy Playground in Christchurch, Anderson Park in Napier, and Potter's Park in Auckland; more recently branching out into playground design and construction.

The Balance Park being gifted to the Friendly Bay playground is based on a 'Cogs' theme, especially designed to fit the 'Steam Punk' aesthetic of the surrounding park.

Coursey added "we've been keen to build a park for the Oamaru community for a while now and saw this as the perfect opportunity to do that, while launching something new and exciting at the same time.

"The Waitaki District Council have been really helpful in finding a place for the new park and we're excited with the choice of location - Friendly Bay playground is a favourite for many local families."

Welcoming the installation, Waitaki District Deputy Mayor Melanie Tavendale stated "these new play pieces will be a fantastic addition to our playground, and the design will complement the Steampunk theme.

"Numat are a local company who have filled a gap in the playground market with equipment that is proving to be very popular with young and old alike. Their donation to this community is incredibly generous, I can't wait to have a play (with my kids of course)!"

Work on the Balance Park commenced on 28th January and is expected to be finished by mid February.

For more information go to www.numat.co.nz/recreation/balance-parks/

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27th November 2018 - ESSA highlights the urgent need for Australian children to increase their physical activity

19th October 2018 - New Sovereign Hill play space to open in celebration of National Children’s Week

28th May 2018 - Cairns Nature Play recognised as Queensland’s top playspace

18th October 2017 - $4 million Nature Play Garden officially opened in Sydney’s Centennial Parklands

7th August 2017 - New body formed to represent and develop Parkour around the world

12th December 2016 - New Zealand introduces updated playground standards

14th November 2016 - Innovative Christchurch playground wins NZRA Outstanding Project Award

15th November 2015 - Risky outdoor play positively impacts children’s health

25th July 2015 - Without exposure to nature, Australia is nurturing unhappy future generations

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