Why are we proposing a new play space at Sydenham Botanic Park?
During the first stage of engagement, we asked the community whether a neighbourhood play space should remain at Lees Park or be relocated to Sydenham Botanic Park.
After considering community feedback, site constraints and the available budget, the preferred option was to develop a new neighbourhood play space at Sydenham Botanic Park, rather than upgrade the existing playground at Lees Park.
This approach creates the opportunity for a larger play space with a wider range of play experiences, while allowing Lees Park to evolve into a different type of neighbourhood space.
What we heard
During the first stage of engagement, the community told us they supported:
- Relocating the neighbourhood play space to Sydenham Botanic Park
- Protecting the park's natural and botanical character
- Improving places to sit, gather and enjoy the park
- Retaining open space and opportunities for quiet recreation
How we have responded:
Using your feedback, we've developed draft proposals that include:
- A new neighbourhood play space at Sydenham Botanic Park
- Park enhancements that reflect the park's natural character
- Future improvement options for Lees Park
What we're asking about
Sydenham Botanic Park
The community previously told us it's important that Sydenham Botanic Park retains its unique character and remains a place where people can enjoy nature, open space and quiet recreation.
We're seeking feedback on whether we've captured those priorities and whether there are other values or experiences we should consider as part of the park's future development.
We're also asking for input on potential improvements, including:
- Better pathway connections throughout the park
- Additional places to sit, gather and picnic
- Ways to improve safety and visibility
- Maintaining a dog-friendly environment
- Opportunities to learn more about the park's natural environment and history
As part of this discussion, we're exploring ways to connect people with the park's unique botanical features, including ideas inspired by the kauri trees and their ancient Gondwanaland heritage.
New play space at Sydenham Botanic Park
The new play space is being designed to offer a range of experiences for children and whānau of different ages, abilities and interests while fitting within the botanic park setting.
We're asking the community which play experiences and equipment are most important to them, including:
- Climbing and adventure play
- Inclusive and collaborative play
- Traditional play such as swings and slides
- Imaginative and themed play
- Nature play using natural materials
- Sand play
- Quiet spaces for rest and retreat
Feedback will help us understand which features are most valued and should be prioritised in the final design.
Lees Park
Some of the existing playground equipment at Lees Park has reached the end of its useful life and will need to be removed.
Following previous community feedback and considering the available space and project budget, we're seeking feedback on three potential options:
- A half basketball court
- Outdoor exercise equipment
- Improved places to sit, relax and spend time
We're also open to hearing other ideas from the community.
Have your say
Your feedback will help us refine the designs and ensure the improvements reflect the needs and aspirations of the local community.
Whether you regularly visit these parks or would like to use them more in the future, we'd love to hear from you.
What happens next?
Once feedback has been reviewed, we'll use what we've heard to develop the final designs for the project. We'll then share an update with the community outlining the key themes from the engagement and how feedback will influence the next stage of the project
Budget and costs
A new playground at Sydenham Botanic Park is estimated at $1 million. This investment reflects the larger play space, a wider range of play experiences, and additional features such as shade, and BBQ facilities.
Background
Perpetual Guardian, which owns Sydenham Botanic Park, supports increased community use and development of the site. An agreement will ensure Council owns and maintains the new playground assets.
The improvements to Sydenham Botanic Park and Lees Park form part of a wider city programme to create inclusive, accessible, and engaging community spaces while enhancing the overall park environments.
Sydenham Park map - proposed new play space (1.7mb pdf)
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.