Ruapehu town Taumarunui to spend more than $200,000 on upgrades to domain playground

The Taumarunui Domain playground is set to get upgrades worth $235,000, including a natural water play area and double flying fox. Photo / Supplied

The Taumarunui Domain playground is about to get some major upgrades.

These include junior and senior multi-play equipment, a swing zone, double flying fox, natural water play area, junior play train and accessible wheelchair carousel.

The playground is part of the Ruapehu District Council's (RDC) wider revitalisation efforts in Taumarunui.

The revitalisation has so far featured upgrades on Hakiaha St, the railway station building, community museum, northern entrance and Cherry Grove.

"The new playground area will be a fantastic new addition to local family life as well as providing another reason for travellers to stop and spend some time in Taumarunui," Ruapehu mayor Don Cameron said.

Taumarunui-Ohura community board chairperson Karen Ngatai said that removing the old equipment and installing the new rides, attractions and fall area will require the plaground to close for approximately 12 weeks.

"The work is currently scheduled to start from 29 April after the upcoming school holidays with completion scheduled for mid-July," Ngatai said.

"Best efforts will be made to have areas of the current playground area unaffected by works, such as the climbing net and skate ramp remaining open."

The upgrade will cost $235,000 and will bring the playground assets, including a specially formulated ground fall padding in line with NZ Standards for safety.

RDC have agreed to have $55,000 in funding brought forward to allow the senior playground area to be installed at the same time as the junior play equipment.

RDC thanked the Taumarunui Lions Club who are assisting with the cost of the footpath and have offered volunteer labour to reduce cost of playground installation and Taumarunui Plumbing who will be plumbing water to the wet play area free of charge.

Taumarunui Lions Club president Charlene Hepburn said that the club was really excited to be involved with the project.

"As a club we will be working to raise funds for the concrete foot path surrounding the playground," Hepburn said.

"Our first fundraising opportunity will be the Lions ball held on the 6th of July, which will coincide with the Matariki Winter Festival."

Tickets for this will be on sale soon at REAP and Guys & Gals Barber Shop.