Over the next decade, many of our playgrounds originally constructed in the 1990s will need to be renewed. Our goal is to create and build a comprehensive network of playgrounds across Tauranga, ensuring every neighbourhood has access to fun and engaging play spaces.
Why are we doing this?
We want to make sure there’s a playground within 500m (as the crow flies) of most residential homes in Tauranga City.
Our park renewals focus on four key outcomes – Nature, Culture and Storytelling, Community and Play.
Not sure where your local playground is? View our map of all playgrounds in Tauranga
Playground maps
Three types of playgrounds
We deliver three different types of playgrounds across the city, each with different levels of scope.
Destination playgrounds
These are our biggest attractions - playgrounds that are destinations in their own right, like The Strand Waterfront and Kulim Park.
Major neighbourhood playgrounds
These playgrounds offer more extensive play options than local spaces. They often include active recreation facilities like basketball courts or skate areas and amenities like toilets, and drinking fountains. Examples include Waitaha, Te Papa Tākaro o Tongaparaoa - Ila Park, and Pacific Park.
Local neighbourhood play spaces
These are the most common and are designed for shorter visits by those who walk or wheel from home. Examples include Matua Park, Keam Reserve, and Hills View Reserve.
The four playgrounds we're gathering feedback on are part of the local neighbourhood play space category, meaning the design will focus on play features rather than amenities like BBQs, toilets, and drinking fountains. Please keep this in mind when sharing your thoughts.
Playgrounds set for renewal in 2026:
Looking ahead to next year, the following playgrounds are set for renewal, upgrade, or construction:
- Haukore Street playground, Hairini
- Surrey Grove playground, Merivale
- Allan McBride playground, Gate Pa
- Carlton Reserve, upgrade to skatepark
- Simpson Reserve, Destination Playground construction
Playgrounds under construction:
Beaumaris Boulevard Reserve, Beaumaris Boulevard, Bethlehem
We are revamping Beaumaris Boulevard Reserve for the community to enjoy. Get ready for a fantastic play area with a range of fun equipment, along with more seating, picnic tables and shaded spaces where everyone can relax and connect.
We heard you and your neighbours when you told us you wanted a flying fox and have included this in the design of the new playground.
We anticipate the playground being open for use in July 2025.
Liston Park, Hynds Road, Gate Pā
We are revamping Liston Park for the community to enjoy. Get ready for a bigger and better play area, with exciting new equipment, more seating and picnic areas, and even exercise gear for all ages to enjoy.
As part of this work, we will be considering moving/removing two small trees at the park. Depending on the conditions of the trees, we will replace or relocate them before construction starts.
We anticipate this playground being open for use in August 2025.
Emerald Shores Reserve, Wairakei Avenue, Pāpāmoa
We are creating a new play area at Emerald Shores Reserve for the whole community to enjoy. Get ready for a brand-new playground with fun equipment for all ages, plus more seating and shaded spots for everyone to relax and connect.
We anticipate the playground being open for use in July 2025.
Playground construction coming soon: