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Girl looking up with playground images around her

Whakahoutanga papa tākaro, papa-rāhui hoki i Tauranga

Tauranga playground and reserves upgrades

Tauranga is home to more than 100 playgrounds, many of which need to be renewed in the next decade.

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.

Playground and reserve upgrades happening now

Ōropi Grove Mountain Bike Park Works


The park is fully closed until late 2025 for tree harvesting and track renewals.

Last updated:
Feb 19, 2026

Pāpāmoa outdoor fitness space


Together with Pāpāmoa locals, we’re planning a new outdoor exercise area near the Pāpāmoa Shared Pathway at Parton Road to support accessible physical activity for young people and adults.

Last updated:
Feb 19, 2026

Allan McBride Reserve upgrade


We’re transforming Allan McBride Reserve, Gate Pā into a vibrant, welcoming, inclusive space.

Last updated:
Feb 18, 2026

Surrey Grove Reserve upgrade


We’re upgrading the playground and reserve at Surrey Grove to create a fun, modern space for local tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to enjoy.

Last updated:
Feb 18, 2026

Haukore Street Reserve upgrade


We’re upgrading the playground at Haukore Street Reserve, Hairini transforming it into a safe space for play, fun and connection.

Last updated:
Feb 18, 2026

Taylor Reserve upgrade


We’re upgrading Taylor Reserve and Taylor Reserve Access Road.

Last updated:
Feb 12, 2026

Simpson Reserve – Play is on the way


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

Last updated:
Feb 12, 2026

Blake Park improvements


As a growing city, we’re dedicated to improving the capacity and quality of the city-wide network for sports and recreation to benefit community wellbeing. 

Last updated:
Feb 11, 2026

Memorial Park Aquatic Centre


Tauranga is growing, and our current aquatic facilities are struggling to keep up. To meet the needs of our community now and in the future, we’re planning a new aquatic facility at Memorial Park.

Last updated:
Feb 11, 2026
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Community open days

Emerald Shores Reserve - playground open day

Beaumaris Boulevard Reserve - playground open day

Check out the community celebrating the opening of their local playgrounds.

Other ways to get involved

Tauranga is your city. We're working to make it even better.

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