David Lange Park
The David Lange Park Playground, located in Central Mangere, Auckland, is a vibrant new community hub, its innovative design and inclusive features will place it among New Zealand’s top destination playgrounds. The play space's centrepiece, a colossal Kompan Giants play tower, embodies the theme of an active volcano amidst a lava field. This imaginative design was realized through the artistic collaboration with Clynt White of Wahi Wairua, and the Te Ākitai Waiohua iwi, infusing local cultural narratives into the heart of the park.
The playground's landscape features an array of colourful mounds, mirroring a lava field, which serve as a playful terrain and spaces for socializing. This destination playground boasts a diverse range of equipment including the unique Kompan Robinia Kaianga Village, agility trails, trampolines, carousels, a double flying fox, and an array of swings, catering to a wide array of ages and abilities.
Inclusivity is a key aspect of David Lange Park Playground, evident through its accessible swings, wheelchair-friendly carousel and trampoline, and comprehensive amenities like accessible toilets. The park also features Percussion Play Music equipment and a fenced toddler area with interactive panels, ensuring an engaging experience for all visitors.
Community involvement was pivotal in the creation of this playground. Extensive consultations ensured that the local stories and cultural narratives were intricately woven into the play area's design, making it what will be a cherished spot for the Mangere community.
Notable contributions came from Wāhi Wairua, HEB Construction, CLC Consulting, Isthmus Group, Numat, the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board and Auckland Council each playing a significant role in bringing this project to life. Spanning approximately five years in planning, the construction commenced in May, opening on time despite the wet winter installation.
David Lange Park Playground stands as a testament to innovative design, community collaboration, and inclusivity, making it a landmark project in the heart of Mangere.
