New play space makes Parliament more family-friendly
Wednesday, 20 November 2019, 5:46 pm
Press Release: Office of the Speaker
A new play space has opened on Parliament’s front lawn, to
encourage families to visit Parliament and to make that
experience more welcoming, enjoyable, and accessible, for
children and adults alike.
Speaker of the House, the Rt
Hon Trevor Mallard says, “Parliament belongs to all New
Zealanders and I am delighted to see this play space come to
fruition so that families and children can enjoy the grounds
of Parliament and feel like they belong, and are welcome
here.”
The play space also helps to meet the rapidly
growing need for play spaces in Wellington, as inner city
apartment living becomes the norm for more young families.
The location of the play space was carefully considered
and uses natural materials to blend in with the
surroundings. The slide was manufactured in Palmerston North
and uses sustainable forest beech, and the safety pad
material is made from recycled tyres.
The play space was
officially opened by the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Jacinda
Ardern and the Speaker of the House this morning as part of
an event at Parliament to celebrate International
Children’s
Day.
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