Celebrating the Award-Winning Island View Reserve Playground

The Island View Reserve playground project is a shining example of community collaboration, cultural integration, and environmental sustainability, which led it to win the Recreation Aotearoa Playground of the Year Award in the under $500k category. Completed in 2021 and formally opened in 2022, this playground offers high value at a low cost to the entire community, and has quickly become a cherished facility for locals and visitors alike.

Hear from Western Bay of Plenty District Council and local community representatives on the collaborative design process

Why Island View Reserve Playground Stood Out
The success of this project can be attributed to three main factors:

• Transparency: Maintaining open and honest communication helped build trust with the diverse Waihi Beach community.
• Flexibility: The team had to adapt to the challenges posed by Covid-19, and they succeeded in delivering the project despite these obstacles.
• Shared Vision: All stakeholders were committed to making the playground a reality, and their belief in the engagement process was key to its success.

The design process was highly participatory, involving the local Waihi Beach School and Kōhanga reo, who contributed drawings, poems, and sculptures that were incorporated into the playground design. Kaumātua and community leaders also played a crucial role, sharing local stories (pūrākau) to inspire the students’ creative contributions.

Innovation and Community Engagement

The project showcased innovation by adapting to feedback—both positive and negative—from the community. Rather than deferring the project due to budget limitations, the team focused on enhancing the play area while prioritising the most important elements. The inclusion of high-quality, durable, and environmentally resilient play equipment was a crucial decision that ensured long-term sustainability.

Community engagement was a key element of the project, with significant involvement from local hapū, the school, and Kaumātua. This strong partnership allowed the project to incorporate local values and Māori cultural elements in a meaningful way. As the project progressed, the engagement process helped soften some initial resistance from parts of the community, and ultimately led to widespread support. 

A Playground for Everyone: Inclusivity and Sustainability
Island View Reserve Playground was designed to be inclusive for all, with accessible features such as wheelchair-friendly paths and equipment. The playground's position next to a popular shared cycle path has also encouraged frequent use by families, locals, and visitors.

In terms of sustainability, the project made use of locally sourced and recycled materials, such as boardwalk planks from Mount Maunganui, and even incorporated natural elements like a large log washed up during a storm, enhancing the beachside theme of the playground.

Excellence in Execution
The project demonstrated overall excellence by actively involving the local community, especially the tamariki, in the creation process. Key moments included:

• Students participating in site visits and artwork creation.
• The integration of a Tuatara sculpture, designed in collaboration with a local artist and guided by Kaumātua, symbolising the cultural connection to the land.
• The use of Te Reo Māori and local place names to further strengthen the connection between the playground and the community.

A Meaningful Achievement

This playground wasn’t just about installing equipment; it was about creating a meaningful space for the entire community, with a particular focus on educating and elevating local tamariki. From the moment the playground opened, it became clear that these goals had been achieved, as local children filled the space almost immediately, eager to engage with the playground they had helped design.

You can see the whole Island View Reserve playground project and video here.