Work has started on a $450,000 makeover of Harvard playground, in the middle of Pahiatua, but the park's hallmark bright yellow aeroplane will be staying.
"The plane is an icon," said Jason Griggs, project facilitator of the specially-formed Harvard Adventure Playground committee.
The father-of-three said the committee was formed in November 2009,
after it was realised that a park upgrade was needed.
"Pahiatua community is excited about the changes," he said.
The first part of the eight- stage upgrade began on Wednesday and will consist of a new concrete pathway from one end of the park to the other, three picnic tables and a new entrance.
"We will do each stage as the money comes up," he said.
The plans for the park were drawn up, at no charge, after feedback from the community, and then put on display for everybody to see.
"The feedback was very positive and the plans have been locked in," said Mr Griggs.
Harvard Adventure Park committee members spent a lot of time travelling around the lower North Island to research town playgrounds, and looked at Kids Own Playground in Masterton for ideas.
Mr Griggs often took his children there when he visited family.
"A lot of the things we've done have been inspired by Masterton's playground," he said.
Fundraising plans were put on hold after the Canterbury earthquake to help fundraise for its victims, but Mr Griggs said they could get "stuck in" again now.
The committee has been meeting weekly since February.
Mr Griggs said it was exciting to see a digger at the park starting the upgrade, and it would be a key feature for the town.
