Omapere children delighted by new playground

The children from Opononi Area School were the first to use a brand new playground on Opononi's waterfront.

The children of Omapere are celebrating the arrival of a brand new playground to keep them entertained.

The old playground at Freese Park on Omapere's waterfront had been showing its age and no longer met the needs of local children.

The new $36,000 playground, including swings, slides, a climbing apparatus and soft-fill cushioning to help keep children safe, was opened by Far North Mayor John Carter last week.

It is also set further back from the foreshore, which is prone to erosion.

Mr Carter said the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board consulted the community about the design of the playground which the Far North District Council funded from its parks and reserves renewals budget.

"This new playground looks exciting. I hope it will extend the bodies and minds of Omapere's young people," Mr Carter said.

One local parent has already emailed her appreciation to the council, he said.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Far North District Council for replacing the old park and thinking of the local kids who are now having heaps of fun here. The look on their faces when they see it is priceless. Thank you!," the unnamed parent said.