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The design of Auckland’s new Cabeleigh Playground celebrates Helensville’s timber history, with trees, logs and wooden play equipment incorporated into a nature-based theme, with rocks as a boundary between the junior and teen play areas.

Developing Cabeleigh Drive’s toddlers to teens playground is a Rodney Local Board priority but chair Phelan Pirrie admits getting feedback when playgrounds are closed is an unusual situation.

Pirrie advises “even during lockdown, local feedback is important. We want to keep the project moving as we enter recovery.”

Board member Vicki Kenny says the new playground is well-situated for families living in Helensville and Parakai.

“The playground caters for toddlers to teens with separate but interconnected play areas. A path running through the reserve will make for easy access even in winter.

“There are good sightlines from the street to the playground and on-street parking. A stream on the site will be planted with natives to filter stormwater pond run-off.”

The design includes:

• spinning bucket, horse springer, ladybird springer
• slide, climbing net, swings
• logs for nature play
• picnic table.

The next step is presenting the design feedback to the local board in July. The detailed design will be completed later in the year with construction expected to take place from February to May 2021.

Helensville also has playgrounds at Rautawhiri Reserve, where a pathway and multi-purpose courts have been upgraded; and at the Civic Centre, where the junior play-space received new play equipment and seating several years ago.

View the design concept online at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

The consultation period runs until 31st May.

A reminder that all playgrounds remain closed to help break the chain of COVID-19 transmission.

Image: Artist's impression of Cabeleigh Playground courtesy of Auckland Council

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