A long anticipated playground and reserve development in Grovetown is finally moving forward with plans approved for an 800m site on Vickerman Street.

The land, designated as a reserve, will serve as a vital link between the Whale Trail cycle way, Grovetown School and the popular Grovetown Lagoon. It will be transformed into a multigenerational recreational space for the community

Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Officer Robert Hutchinson said planning for the reserve began more than 15 years ago. “It’s a really robust and exciting design developed by Mana Whenua, the school and the community with Dr Lorraine Eade acting as key conduit,” he said.

Designed by Kūmānu Environmental, the playground features strong Māori design elements and will cost $488,000 funded through Council’s land subdivision reserve.

The 2009 Growth Strategy identified the need for a central connection between the cycleway and Vickerman Street as well as the lack of recreational spaces in Grovetown. When the subdivision was approved in 2018, land was set aside for future development as a community recreation reserve.

A draft development plan was created in 2022 with input from Mana Whenua, Grovetown School, the local community and Council’s design team.

Key features include stainless steel hīnaki rigs (stylised eel traps), a pate (a sit drum), a pūkaea (wooden trumpet), a semi-natural wooden play structure and a bicycle pump track. The reserve will also include a concrete bike path, swing sets, climbing structures, balancing and stepping logs, shade sails, pergolas, seating, a barbecue area, picnic lawns and native plantings.

“The reserve will become a central gathering point and valuable connection for the Grovetown community,” Mr Hutchinson said.

This will go to full council for approval on 18 September.

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