Playground for all in city

A New Zealand-first ‘‘inclusive’’ playground at Claudelands for all physical capabilities and ages has been agreed to by Hamilton City Council, which is looking to make a contribution of up to $1.4 million.

The council has approved the location, concept designs and a plan for the playground to be developed in partnership with Hamilton’s Magical Bridge Trust.

The trust was formed specifically to build ‘‘the world’s most accessible’’ playground for the residents of the city.

It’s intended to be a safe place to play for people of all physical capabilities and ages.

It will also aim to meet the needs of people with intellectual disabilities, autism and sensory, visual and hearing impairments.

A council statement said Claudelands was chosen due to its central location away from busy roads, as well as it having a safe area for bikes and a car park.

Community committee chairperson councillor Mark Bunting said that the playground is a great step forward for making community play areas more friendly and inclusive for everyone.

‘‘Having this world-class playground near the centre of Hamilton Kirikiriroa will not only encourage play in those who feel they can’t use our traditional playgrounds.

‘‘It revolutionises the bounds of play and how we could be more inclusive with our future designs.’’

The playground proposal includes three standalone stages with the first starting in January 2023.

Magical Bridge Trust co-founder Peter van Vroonhoven said that a huge amount of mahi with the community has gone into the project.

The 11,000 square metre proposed playground will have themed zones, including a slide zone, sensory zone, swing zone and spinning zone.