‘Nautical’ playground hits rocks
Play could be over for a waterfront playground in Wellington before it even starts, as legal action looks set to resume.
Last week the Environment Court threw out appeals against the redevelopment of Frank Kitts Park.
Yesterday, Wellington City Council released its vision for a multimilliondollar revamped design but a High Court appeal means the plans will now have to be put on hold in lieu of a court decision.
Waterfront Watch president Victor Davie confirmed yesterday the organisation was appealing [to the High Court] on the ‘‘very important issue’’.
Davie said the group’s lawyers were attending to the necessary filing procedures and communication with the council.
They have until April 27 to file documents and Davie said details of funding were confidential.
‘‘The decision to appeal is in the best interests of our members and supporters to protect Frank Kitts Park from this inconsiderate and unnecessary redevelopment,’’ he said.
The council has earmarked $2.5m in its 10-year Long-Term Plan and aimed to start work late this year or early next year.
The proposed design shows a nauticalthemed play area, to represent Wellington’s maritime links.
The revamp would see the park’s lighthouse and slides relocated and refurbished and would include the prow of a ship with ropes, masts, ships’ wheels and talk tubes, a fishing-net climbing frame and two flying foxes.
Before the appeal was confirmed, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester said it had been a long time coming and the council was committed to creating a destination playground for families on the waterfront.
The designs had been updated and improved, with architects asked to rethink the first draft and create ‘‘a uniquely Wellington playground’’.
‘‘We thought the base was good, but that we could do more … the result is an adventure playground that has areas for all ages and will keep young Wellingtonians occupied for hours on end.’’
Deputy Mayor Jill Day, who holds the children and young people portfolio, saw the playground as a talking point, selfie spot and space for Wellington families and visitors.
‘‘My favourite part of the design is that the equipment is not prescriptive ... This encourages children to use their imagination to create their own adventures.
‘‘There are not many things more pleasing than the sight and sound of children having fun ...’’
Lambton ward councillor Iona Pannett said it was a great redevelopment but a bit small, and might not attract people from around the region.
‘‘The budget is not sufficient to make it stand out.’’