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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

Johnson Reserve Renewal Works


The main walking track within the reserve is closed until late 2025 for wastewater renewals.

Last updated:
Sep 23, 2025

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:
Sep 18, 2025

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:
Sep 1, 2025

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:
Aug 18, 2025

Gordon Spratt Reserve improvements


With the ever-expanding population in Pāpāmoa, we’re continuing to add and upgrade amenities and environments for everyone to enjoy.

Last updated:
Aug 1, 2025

New Zealand Institute for Marine Futures, Sulphur Point


We’re working with the University of Waikato to establish a marine research and education facility at Marine Park, Sulphur Point.

Last updated:
Jul 31, 2025

Te Ranga Landscape Plan


The land where the Battle of Te Ranga took place will be restored to tell the story of what occurred and educate visitors about its importance.

Last updated:
Jul 16, 2025

Ōropi Grove Mountain Bike Park Works


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

Last updated:
Jul 7, 2025

Key reserves master planning


We reviewed our three key sporting facilities, Baypark, Blake Park and Tauranga and Wharepai Domain to see how they met the needs of particular groups, and how we could make them better and more accessible for everyone in the community.

Last updated:
Jul 1, 2025
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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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