Dunedin City Council parks and recreation group manager Heath Ellis said the plans were tailored to the site’s unique topography and features, and included a new accessible ramp and retention of sun shading elements to ensure users of the playground could stay sun smart.
New play elements included a tube slide, a sand play area, a nature play area, a palisade climbing structure and an easy swing bed, while the existing seesaw would be replaced and a standing swing would be reinstated.
The wider range of play structures aimed to make the park more adventurous and accessible for children of all ages and abilities, he said.
Mana whenua had also contributed to the playground’s design and theme, providing valuable opportunities to educate and connect users to mana whenua stories.
"We are delighted to be delivering these significant improvements and hope the refurbished playground will provide much enjoyment and entertainment to youngsters and the wider Dunedin community."
Plans for the playground reflected public submissions received on the DCC’s Play Spaces Plan 2021, which included requests for more challenging play opportunities for older children, along with increased accessibility, he said.
"This work is part of our ongoing efforts to provide improved play areas across the city in response to this community feedback.
"We’ve recently completed upgrades at Bathgate Park, College Street and the Dunedin Botanic Garden, and these have proved popular with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau."
This financial year, the DCC would also refresh the swing sets and improve existing modular play structures at Ralph Ham Playground, in Macandrew Bay, and install a basketball court and new skate ramp at Brockville Park.
Mr Ellis said the St Clair refurbishment was expected to take 6-8 weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions. During this time, the playground would be closed to the public.
"There will be some machinery noise during the day, but our contractors will work to minimise any disruption to surrounding properties and users of the area," he said.
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