With a large metal fence surrounding the new Dunedin Botanic Garden playground, many children have been passing it by, looking longingly through the wires.
But today that all changed because the Dunedin City Council officially opened it, just in time for the school holidays.
DCC art, culture and recreation general manager Jeanette Wikaira said the project was the biggest overhaul of the playground since the previous area was opened in 1985.
"We are aware of the public’s excitement around this new facility. We too, are excited."
Although the council had hoped to open the playground at the very start of the school holidays, recent weather conditions created a few challenges, she said.
"In particular, the glue used for the recently laid soft-fall surface needs time to cure.
"So we ask for just a little more patience to ensure the area will be in tip-top condition and able to be enjoyed for many years to come."
She believed it significantly improved on the previous playground and hoped it would bring a lot of joy to youngsters, parents and others.
The new playground would continue to cater to younger users, but a range of new structures would expand play opportunities for both younger and older children.
The DCC worked with mana whenua through its consultancy arm Aukaha to develop playground designs inspired by the legend of Mahuika and Māui, a well-known narrative that showcases Māui’s playfulness and trickery.
The playground includes a 5m tower with two tube slides and an accessible stainless steel slide; a large wooden climbing structure with commando nets, a recessed, wheelchair-friendly trampoline and two other trampolines; an accessible roundabout; and a series of swings and jumping jacks (balance-challenging steps).
Mana whenua led a whakawātea to officially open the playground at 8am today and the area was set to open for play from about 9am.
