EIT IDEAschool tutor and artist Linda Bruce submitted a request to include an exploratory, discovery and adventure area focused on bringing together Heretaunga's history, arts, culture, ecology and landscape.
She teamed up with fellow Hawke's Bay artist Susan Mabin to form the business Kotuku Play Partnership and the pair have finally finished their collaboration, for the Hastings community to enjoy.
They have created an installation that "brings to mind an ancient and imagined fossil landscape designed to generate wonder, curiosity and playfulness".
While the artists have done most of the work, over the past few months they were assisted by EIT art students, who have incorporated the experience into their learning.
Bruce said the work is a contemporary take on remnants of what the Heretaunga environment could have been like before humans arrived, combined with the detritus of the contemporary age.
"This installation connects the beauty of the native trees, plants and birds with curious fun stuff to explore and ready for play," she said.
Hastings district councillor Eileen Lawson said the revamped area is an exciting addition to Cornwall Park.
"Next time you are at the park, make sure you go and take a look, and explore through an artistic lens what pre-human Heretaunga may have looked and felt like," Lawson said.
"It's especially appealing to children, with lots of small detailed elements, both old and more modern and familiar, tucked away amongst the native plants and trees."
The artists created an installation with sensory play in mind - the new sculptures are a tactile space with lots to discover and touch.
Lawson said the new space is "fun for everyone".
