Love your local playground? Waipā families are being encouraged to share their thoughts to help shape the future of play spaces across the district.
The council’s annual playground survey - now open at waipadc.govt.nz/playgroundsurvey - helps build a clearer picture of how whānau use eight of the district’s playgrounds, and what makes them a hit with tamariki.
Past surveys show the positive impact of investing in great play spaces.
In Cambridge, the Kings Garden playground jumped from an average of just six young visitors a week before its renewal in 2024 saw usage increase to 106 per week last summer.
In Te Awamutu, War Memorial Park playground saw usage jump nearly 90 percent after its renewal, from 83 weekly users to 156.
Community services manager Brad Ward says the numbers speak for themselves.
“It’s amazing to see usage soar. It shows just how valuable playground renewals are in giving tamariki great engaging places to play, and the difference these spaces make for our communities.”
“The data we receive from our annual surveys help us learn from each project - what’s popular, what isn’t, and how many children are using the playground after its upgraded. It all helps us plan smarter for the next renewal,” says Ward.
The insights gathered guide decisions on which playgrounds need attention and which features, equipment, and layouts tamariki and parents enjoy the most.
“We aim to make each playground a little bit different,” Ward says.
From November 26 through to February 2 next year, Council’s data collectors will be visiting eight playgrounds across the district, including:
- Leamington Domain, Cambridge
- Papatakohe, Cambridge
- Kings Garden, Cambridge
- Terry Came Drive, Cambridge
- War Memorial Park, Te Awamutu
- Hiskens Reserve, Te Awamutu
- Turere Reserve, Te Awamutu
- Franklin Street, Pirongia
Families can learn more and share their thoughts on all eight playgrounds at waipadc.govt.nz/playgroundsurvey.
