Simpson Reserve – Destination Playground

We’re upgrading the reserve and creating a vibrant new playground where the whole community can connect and play.

Tell us what you think

What would make Simpson Reserve more awesome? This is your place, your playground. Let's build it together.

Community consultation opens on Monday, 15 September and will run until 5pm, Wednesday 15 October.

Simpson Reserve is a much-loved green space in the heart of Pāpāmoa, popular with dog-walkers, runners, and local sports clubs.Now, we’re working with the community to enhance the reserve and create a vibrant, inclusive playground for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to enjoy.

This new play area will meet long-standing community calls for a larger, more inclusive play area—one that welcomes all ages and abilities.

Imagine a space where kids can climb, spin, and explore, where families can relax under shady trees, and where the whole community can come together. That’s the vision—and we want your help to bring it to life.

Let’s create it together

This is your place, your playground. We want to hear what you:

LOVE about Simpson Reserve and other playgrounds in Tauranga
WISH the new playground could include
WONDER about the project and what’s possible

Your ideas will help shape a space that reflects our community’s values, honours our past, and inspires play for generations to come.

What is a destination playground?

Destination playgrounds are more than just places to play—they’re places people travel to. Think of The Strand Waterfront or Kulim Park. These are spaces that bring people together, spark imagination, and offer something for everyone.

Right now, Simpson Reserve is a wide-open space—great for a kick-around. Soon, it will be a place full of laughter, adventure, and connection.

Have your say

We’re hosting two drop-in sessions. Come along and share your thoughts in person with the project team:

Wednesday, 1 October from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at Pāpāmoa Library
Saturday, 4 October from 10am to 12pm at Simpson Reserve

Or share your ideas online. Feedback runs from Monday 15 September until 5pm Wednesday, 15 October 2025.

Got kids at home?

We’d love to hear their ideas too! Pick up a ‘Dream it, Draw it’ feedback form from the Pāpāmoa Library. Email it to us at parks.projects@tauranga.govt.nz or post it to:

Engagement Manager: Spaces and Places
Tauranga City Council
Freepost Authority Number 370
Private Bag 12022
Tauranga 3143

FAQ's

Why are we creating a new playground at Simpson Reserve?

We’re committed to creating safe, accessible, and well-designed public spaces that encourage play and active recreation for all. Through thoughtful planning, we’re building a future where play is accessible to everyone, now and for generations to come.

How will my ideas shape the concept design?

Your feedback will be a crucial part of the design process, helping guide what the play area looks like and what playground equipment will be included. We’ll also be talking to key stakeholders such as the Accessible City Interest Group, local schools and kura, and our iwi and hapū partners, to get their input. We’ll review all suggestions and use them as a starting point to create a design that is inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

How can my child share their ideas?

As the experts in play, we’d love to hear kids’ ideas! You can involve your child in the process by sharing their feedback via the online form, or by picking up a ‘Draw it, Dream it’ feedback form at any of our Library Community Hubs for them to draw or write down their ideas. These can be submitted via feedback boxes located at the Library Community Hubs, or scanned back to us at parks.projects@tauranga.govt.nz.