Playground on way to being ship-shape
It’ll be smooth sailing for kids at the Wellington beach suburb of Lyall Bay when they get a revamped playground later this year.
A wooden ship created from recycled play equipment will be the centrepiece of the $87,000 playground upgrade – a nod to the ferries that pass the bay each day.
Children can also take part in a popular Lyall Bay past-time by catching a wave on springer surfboards that will be added.
The design was created to connect more with the surrounding beach environment, Wellington City Council project manager parks and recreation David Halliday said.
There was a general movement away from ‘‘plastic fantastics’’ in playgrounds towards more natural equipment that ‘‘reflects the surrounding landscape’’.
Timber will be used in the redesign as it does well in the ‘‘salty, windy environment’’, Halliday said.
The draft design also includes new equipment, a basket swing, a small water play area, new seating and picnic tables.
‘‘When people see the outcome of Lyall Bay they will go ‘wow, this is amazing’,’’ deputy mayor Paul Eagle said.
The design was ‘‘really good value’’, added Bryce Pedersen, president of the Kilbirnie, Lyall Bay, Rongotai Residents Association.
Extra seating would allow for greater parental supervision, he said.
Work is expected to begin on the new playground from April. Community members have until January 30 to provide feedback on the proposed makeover.