Ducks out, splash pad in at Aotea
Plans for a $880,000 splash pad have been released by Porirua City Council.
The 250-square metre water play area will replace the duck pond near the playground and public toilets at Aotea Lagoon in Papakowhai.
Council parks manager Olivia Dovey said construction was expected to start in March, once resource consent had been granted, and was expected to take about 12 weeks.
‘‘We are going for a big, splashy fun pad that will have water-play features for the littlies, as well as teenagers and families.’’
The water used for the play area would be treated and recirculated, she said.
‘‘The pad will feature three bays aimed at toddlers, families and teens, and the water features will work in random patterns to keep the fun flowing.’’
The toddler bay will include misters, sprays and a water bug they can sit under, surrounded by a curtain of water.
The family bay will include jets of water in a variety of shapes and sizes, a rainbow series of curved poles that shoot out misted water, and a rainforest that will pour water from three tall, leafy structures.
The teen bay will have spray cannons, in-ground water jets and a massive, super-splash dumper bucket.
Landscaping around the splash pad will create a picnic lawn with extra seating and an embankments to provide shelter from the wind.
‘‘This is going to be a fresh, contemporary water-play park that will attract visitors from around the Wellington region and make Aotea Lagoon a premier play destination.’’