TJS Services
TJS Services is a leading national facility services provider. We deliver quality cleaning, maintenance, construction and facility management services to over 1,500 sites Australia wide. Our…
read moreDunedin City Council has advised it is to begin work on a major overhaul of the Dunedin Botanic Garden playground.
Marking the largest overhaul of the area since the existing playground was opened in 1985, the upgrade is scheduled to begin on 22nd July, the start of term three, with the intention to open in time for the following school holidays, which begin on 28th September.
The new playground will continue to cater to younger users, but a range of new structures expands play opportunities for both younger and older children – and offers a more inclusive, accessible experience.
The overall design incorporates wider spaces to enable a more inclusive environment and features upgraded safety provisions, new soft-fall surfacing, new seating and an improved picnic area.
The playground includes:
The DCC worked with Maori through their consultancy arm Aukaha to develop playground designs inspired by the legend of Mahuika and Māui, a well-known narrative that showcases Māui’s playfulness and trickery.
Illustrations of native flora and fauna that inhabit the forest floor specific to the Otago region will be embedded in the playground, weaving through the narrative of how Māui brought fire to the world.
Jeanette Wikaira, General Manager Arts, Culture and Recreation noted “This is a significant rejuvenation of an area that has brought much joy to youngsters, parents and others.
The current playground equipment will be removed, reassessed based on safety considerations and potentially refurbished to be used elsewhere in the city.
“The existing playground is almost 40 years old, and was donated by Perpetual Trust (now Perpetual Guardian) in the mid-1980s.
“When considering a renewal of the soft-fall surface, we identified that the playground was due for renewal, too. The scope of the project was extended when Botanic Garden staff suggested utilising some space created from the loss of a tree (in early 2023) near the existing playground.
“This change to scope also prompted a wider reassessment, including vehicle movements around the playground and bandstand. We believe changes to vehicle paths will also make the area both safer and more enjoyable for visitors.”
Dunedin City Council staff have visited schools in the North Dunedin area to share details about the project.
Wikaira enthused “It’s exciting to imagine the energy and enjoyment the new playground will bring once it’s up and running.”
The Dunedin City Council has worked closely with the Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden and would like to acknowledge the generous contribution they have made to the cost of this popular community playground.
Sam Moncur, President of the Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden shared “we are excited to support this project, which represents a significant rejuvenation of a much-loved and much-used area.
“We hope many children, both young and older, enjoy the new playground.”
28th June 2013 - Dunedin Botanic Garden celebrates 150 years
21st June 2024 - Royal Botanic Garden Sydney adds to its offerings with two new nature-inspired business event spaces
1st May 2024 - New Chief Executive announced for Botanic Gardens of Sydney
20th February 2024 - Upgraded play area to open in Wellington Botanic Garden
24th January 2024 - Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens supervisor explores Mt Hotham’s unique flora
13th December 2023 - Laservision transformation of Rockhamption Botanic Gardens continues to captivate
28th November 2023 - Council highlights significant conservation contributions of Wellington Zoo and Botanic Gardens
24th November 2023 - Albury Botanic Gardens tests renewable technology on journey to become net zero
23rd October 2023 - Geelong Botanic Gardens collaborates with Werribee Open Range Zoo for sustainability
9th October 2023 - Auckland Council secures land to expand and protect Botanic Gardens
15th June 2023 - The Calyx at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney hosts Australian Women in Business event
7th June 2023 - City of Greater Bendigo leases new Botanic Gardens Restaurant
12th May 2023 - New Gargarro Regional Botanic Gardens opens in Victoria’s Campaspe Region
16th March 2023 - New Botanic Gardens playground and improved zoo access for Rockhampton
12th March 2023 - Redeveloped Museum of the Riverina Botanic Gardens site opens to the public
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
TJS Services is a leading national facility services provider. We deliver quality cleaning, maintenance, construction and facility management services to over 1,500 sites Australia wide. Our…
read moreAIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…
read moreTim Batt Water Solutions are at the very forefront of the commercial aquatic business in Australia, with over 30 years specific experience supplying and installing chemical control and dosing…
read moreCommercial gym equipment supplier Aussie Strength was wound up at the end of 2022. .aussie p { padding:20px; }
read moreWith its sleek good looks and easy-to-use yet powerful functionality, Envibe is the premium fitness club software for the Australasian leisure, recreation and fitness industry. We are the most…
read moreOriginally founded to meet the specific training requirements of its own venue management operations, Ampd Academy now embraces a broader mission to combat skill shortages across Australian…
read moreGoplay designs and manufactures specialised playground equipment for indoor play centres, hotels, food chains, clubs and resorts. If our years of experience and dedication have taught us one thing,…
read morePricemark supplies a wide range of custom branded membership & RFID access products for the Health & Leisure Industry.
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!