The brainchild of the Waihola Playground Trust, the ''destination playground'' is designed to replace the dated equipment at the lakeside domain while enticing families from across coastal Otago to visit the area.
Chairman Tim Wiel said the group held a public meeting earlier this month, presenting its idea for the playground, with its key feature of a large pirate ship, to about 20 residents.
The project was in its early stages and had no fixed cost yet, but Mr Wiel estimated it could be around the $1 million mark.
''It is quite an ambitious project ... Everyone on the trust is very passionate about it.''
He said the playground would be unique, modern and safe. The idea was to provide ''something really cool'' for Waihola and to bring visitors to the area.
''We want people to say `hey, that pirate ship park - that's Waihola'. We want people to come here as a destination, not just passing through.''
Initial plans include a large pirate ship offering a variety of activities, a small pirate ship for toddlers, secure fencing and an attractive picnic area.
It was planned to split the project into three stages: building the safety fence and big ship; then the toddler ship, swings, and any other equipment; and then the new picnic area.
Money to build the playground would come from fundraising events and grants, and the group would begin seeking funding after formalising quotes and designs.
While the choice of a pirate ship is aimed at appealing to children and families, it is also a nod to Lake Waihola's history, as the Betsy Douglas paddle-steamer used to ferry miners across the lake.
A brief history could be installed on panels in the playground or by the lakeside, Mr Wiel said.
Families were drawn to playgrounds, and Mr Wiel and his wife had taken their young family to Mosgiel several times to use a playground that had ''amazing equipment and features''.
The group had been in contact with the Taieri Community Facilities Trust (formerly the Mosgiel Community Playground Trust), which built a playground and gave it to the Dunedin City Council.
At the Clutha District Council's meeting earlier this month, Bruce ward councillor Bruce Vollweiler said the group had an ''ambitious project'' that was an exciting prospect for the area.
The Waihola Playground Trust held its first meeting in March, and was approved as a charity last week.
It would be working closely with other community groups - particularly Waihola Looking Forward and the Lake Waihola Waipori Wetlands Society.
