Brookfield currently has fewer large-scale play opportunities compared to other suburbs in Tauranga.
The community has shown strong interest in upgrading Lees Park, a small, fenced reserve located at a busy intersection. Lees Park currently offers limited play equipment, which is soon due for renewal, and its size limits the potential for a larger-scale playground redevelopment.
To better serve community needs, we're exploring the option of moving the community’s playground to nearby Sydenham Botanic Park. The park provides more space to develop a large and diverse play area the whole community can enjoy.
Perpetual Guardian, the trust that owns Sydenham Botanic Park, supports increased community use and development. An agreement will confirm that the Council owns the assets, including the playground equipment.
Lees Park could then be repurposed for other recreational uses, such as a basketball court. In addition to the playground improvements, we will also upgrade the landscaping and amenities in the park. This project is part of a citywide programme to provide inclusive, accessible, and engaging spaces for tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau, while also enhancing the overall reserve.
Community engagement
The final location for the new playground area will be guided by feedback from the local community. Once Council has confirmed the location, the community will be involved in the design process. Your ideas will help shape a space that reflects our community’s values and inspires play for generations to come.
Budget and costs
There is a difference in investment between upgrading Lees Park and developing a new playground at Sydenham Botanic Park, reflecting the difference in size, scale, and amenities of each option. Upgrading Lees Park is estimated at around $400,000, while a new playground at Sydenham Botanic Park is estimated at $1 million. The higher investment for Sydenham reflects the larger play space, a wider range of play experiences, and additional features such as shade, and BBQ facilities.
Options
Should we upgrade Lees Park or build new playground at Sydenham Botanic Park?
Option 1: Upgrade the existing playground at Lees Park (Neighbourhood Playground)
- Play space size: Approximately 350–500 sqm.
- Designed as a local neighbourhood playground for shorter visits, primarily supporting families who live nearby.
- New play equipment would replace the existing equipment — for example a spinner, climbing elements, swings, and slides.
- A mix of play types would be included; however, due to the smaller size, it may not cater to all ages and abilities.
- The popular Roktopus would stay.
- No toilets or additional parking would be provided.
- Opportunity to add or upgrade seating, picnic tables, and shade to improve comfort for families.
- Estimated investment: $380,000–$400,000.
Lees Park map - propsed new play space (99.1kb pdf)
Option 2: Develop a larger playground at Sydenham Botanic Park (Destination Playground)
- Play space size: Approximately 600–800 sqm.
- Designed as a destination-style playground for longer stays, attracting families from a wider area.
- It would provide a larger and more diverse range of play experiences, suitable for a broader age range and including accessible play features.
- Additional amenities such as toilets, shade, and BBQ facilities to accommodate longer visits.
- Parking is already available on-site, making access easier for visitors.
- Estimated investment: $1 million.
Sydenham Park map - proposed new play space (1.7mb pdf)
What would happen to Lees Park if a new playground was built at Sydenham Botanic Park
Over time, the old play gear at Lees Park will be removed. We will consider options for this space based on community feedback. Please share your ideas in the survey!
Three types of playgrounds
To help the community understand the scale and features of different playground options, we group playgrounds across Tauranga into three types, each offering different levels of play and facilities. Lees Park and the proposed Sydenham Botanic Park playground fall into two of these categories.
Destination playgrounds
These are our largest and most exciting playgrounds — attractions in their own right. They draw visitors from across the city and beyond. Examples include The Strand Waterfront and Kulim Park.
Major neighbourhood playgrounds
These playgrounds are larger than local playgrounds and offer a wide range of play experiences. They often include active recreation facilities, such as basketball courts or skate areas, along with amenities like toilets and drinking fountains. The proposed new playground at Sydenham Botanic Park would fall into this category. Other examples include Ila Park and Pacific Park.
Local neighbourhood play spaces
These are the most common type of playground, designed for shorter visits by families who walk or wheel from home. Lees Park falls into this category, along with Matua Park and Mitchell Park.