The $200,000 play space is the next stage in the Clyde River Park upgrade after the completion of the Miners Lane extension project — a one-way through road linking up to Matau St, and the upgrade of a historic walkway linking the Clyde heritage precinct to the Clutha River.
In 2019, the council received $612,500 from the Government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund towards the upgrade of the Clyde river car park, access, toilet facilities, a picnic area and play space.
The project is part of a wider upgrade to the heritage precinct streetscape which aims to improve parking and connections between the town centre and river frontage.
The council’s project team is preparing the final design but wants to hear from the community before final plans are locked in place.
Council parks officer projects Marie Gordon said the proposed concept for the play space was themed around the site’s riverside location and the natural and built heritage of the village.
‘‘It includes common play elements that top most children’s wish lists wherever you are in New Zealand — like swings and slides — but also makes that connection to complement its setting in historic Clyde by the river,’’ she said.
Material reclaimed from the site will feature in the design including railway sleepers to border the triple swing set (basket swing, belt swings and toddler swings), and poles and rocks creating a ‘‘riverbed’’ natural play space for balancing and imaginative play.
Playing centre stage in the space is a climbing structure mimicking the design of Clyde’s red bridge — a visible backdrop to the playground.
A ‘‘pour and play’’ rubber matting river will weave throughout the playground and bordering the main play zone — which contains a slide and a spinning carousel — is a pathway doubling as a scooter track.
Feedback can be given via the Central Otago District Council website until November 26.
