Playground a hit with parents and kids alike

Build it and they shall come could be the motto for the newly upgraded Avalon Park playground.

The Hutt City Council opened the $3.7 million playground earlier this month and reserves manager Kelly Crandle has been overwhelmed by the response.

‘‘Every time I go it is just chocker with people. With some items like the birdsnest swing there are kids waiting for turns. I have just been blown away by how popular it is.’’

An interactive water feature was proving to be the most popular attraction.

‘‘I have had mums report that they have been there most nights after school. Even when it is wet, they are down there in their raincoats before tea.’’

Visitors have come from as far as Masterton and Porirua and she was confident it would achieve the council’s aim of becoming a regional attraction.

The opening created a huge amount of Facebook traffic with most users, such as Yvonne Gemmell, commenting favourably.

‘‘My daughter absolutely loves it. The only thing I miss is that rickety old horse that had been there as long as I remember! Great work Hutt City Council.’’

Jo-Ann Thomas was also impressed.

‘‘Made the visit in the pouring rain last night. The kids loved the water play and the flying fox. Great place for the car to break down. The kid’s didn’t even notice.’’

The one negative in the feedback was around smoking.

Hana Stephens thought the playground was ‘‘amazing’’ but was disappointed by the number of people smoking.

‘‘No smoking signs need to be erected as people have always smoked at that playground.’’

The council was planning to put up ‘‘smokefree’’ signs, although Crandle said it did not have the powers to enforce a ban.

Over time people would become more aware that was a smokefree area and Crandle did not believe it would be a continuing problem.

With numbers using the playground much higher than expected, there had been pressure on the toilets.

The novelty factor was driving the high use but with summer on its way, Crandle was not sure how long that would continue.

It is clear, however, that the toilets would need upgrading and possibly expanding so wet children had somewhere to change.

Children are coming to the park in their swimsuits to play in the water feature or were getting wet in their casual clothes.

There is $2 million left in the budget for further work which will include creating a new entrance to the park, improving the pond and upgrading existing toilets.