Smart playground faces uncertain future
New Zealand’s first ‘‘smart playground’’ faces an uncertain future, with the Selwyn District Council (SDC) saying there would have to be ‘‘real benefit in making the technology available’’ for it to support it further.
A trial of the controversial technology, which adds augmented reality markers to existing playground equipment, began in Levi Park in Rolleston in August.
Parents scan the markers with a smartphone app to activate games and challenges for children to complete, based on imaginary scenarios. The playground can be used without using the markers.
The technology was developed by Canadian company Biba and installed in Levi Park by Playground Centre, at a cost of $1500.
When launched, some parents thought adding digital technology to the playground went too far, as children spent enough time in front of screens already.
SDC open space and property planner Derek Hayes said the council was collating feedback on the playground.
‘‘There would have to be real benefit in making the technology available within Selwyn district for council to support it further.’’
Hayes said the council planned to do on-site surveys at the playground over the school holiday period, while Playground Centre planned to do its own in-depth analysis and review of the Biba games by February.
There would be benefit in the council reserving a decision until the Playground Centre’s review was finished, he said.
The surveys and review would be combined with earlier consultation and feedback, which would be presented to the council in a business case, Hayes said. The council meeting calendar meant it would not be possible to present it to the council until early or midFebruary.
He did not comment on the type of feedback the council had received to date, saying they would have a better idea of what the community wanted after the playground surveys were done.
There would be no cost to the ratepayer if the council decided to extend the trial.
Playground Centre chief executive Simon Filleul said it was too early to speculate on the final findings from the trial, but initial data indicated Levi Park had above average usage compared to other Biba playgrounds worldwide.
Playground Centre had ‘‘received a high level of interest’’ about the technology from councils around the country.
Playground Centre would continue to work with progressive councils and look for new ways to inspire more outdoor play, whatever the outcome of the Levi Park trial, he said.
The Biba technology was ‘‘about 90 per cent physical fun, with 10 per cent inspiration provided by the adventures on the app’’, he said.
Selwyn Parenting Network co-chair Karla Gunby said the group was ‘‘up for having a variety of options for activities for families in Selwyn’’.
She was pleased the council gave it a go, whatever the outcome of the trial, she said.