Greater Green Island Network worker Amanda Reid said the winning design, pictured above, received 757 votes compared with 578 for the other shortlisted design.
The network also received approval from the Dunedin City Council and the RSA to use the Green Island Memorial Gardens, near the Fresh Choice Green Island supermarket, for the playground.
''The RSA thinks it's really great that kids will use the land,'' Mrs Reid said.
Now the design had been chosen and approval to build had been granted, the group would focus on applying for grants so it could be built.
It was expected to cost about $140,000 to build and construction would start after that money had been raised.
''We would love to have it this year, but I think realistically it will be next year.''
If grants did not make up the full cost, she was confident community fundraising would be successful, given how many residents had said they wanted a playground.
The area's only existing playground, in Shand St, was outdated and tucked away in a busy street.
''It's not particularly safe and not visible.''
Strong support for a playground for up to 6-year-olds had come through in community surveys.
