First sod turned, now Destination Play under way
The first sod was at last turned for the new play area Destination Play at New Plymouth yesterday.
About 100 people turned out for the blessing ceremony and ground-breaking at Kāwaroa Park, marking the official start of the project first made public in July 2022.
The $6 million, 22,000m² play area, will be one of the country's biggest and will completely transform the area, which has been used as a playground for generations.
The project is being led by the Taranaki Foundation in partnership with Ngāti Te Whiti, New Plymouth District Council and NP Partners.
Te Raumahora Hema initiated proceedings with a karanga – the call of the Wāhine, followed by a karakia led by Hoani Eriwata of Ngāti te Whiti.
New Plymouth mayor Neil Holdom acknowledged Ngāti Te Whiti and commended Bryce Barnett, who came up with the idea for Destination Play.
“Bryce's vision, which began as a dream for our community, is a testament to what we can achieve collectively. Destination Play exemplifies the remarkable collaboration of New Plymouth residents coming together to create something truly extraordinary.”
Health issues prevented Barnett from attending, but his daughter Adelle Mcbeth read out a letter he had written.
“As we stand here, on the cusp of realising this dream, I am somewhat overwhelmed by the generosity that has got us to this point. I look forward to enjoying this park with my grandchildren and seeing my children be able to enjoy it with their children.”
Ngāti Te Whiti Hapū chairperson Julie Heale said the project has been three years in the making and over that time the project had been a testament to true partnership and collaboration.
“It's been an enjoyable journey and we're eagerly anticipating the joy it will bring to families as they come together to embrace this special space."
Yesterday, the existing playground at Kawaroa was fenced off and closed. The play equipment and outdoor seating will be removed and that section of the Coastal Walkway will be closed.
Construction of the play area will run from April to September, with new play equipment and outdoor seating installed from September to December.
While disruptions, including closures of the playground area and parts of the Coastal Walkway, are expected during construction, there is a commitment to working closely with contractors to minimise inconvenience and promptly reopen areas.