We asked for feedback on our draft concept plans for three destination playgrounds at Marlow Park (the dinosaur park), Woodhaugh Gardens and Mosgiel Memorial Gardens.
The feedback has now closed.
In 2022, Dunedin people told us they want us to invest in bigger, more modern destination playgrounds by redeveloping these playgrounds. They are already categorised as destination playgrounds because they are big, have many pieces of play equipment (including large play structures), facilities such as toilets and barbecues and provide a unique experience. But they are feeling a bit tired and need major improvements.
What are the features of each plan?
Please note, these are not final designs. Your feedback will help develop detailed design plans.
Marlow Park – coastal dune and discovery theme
- New features - three in-ground trampolines, parkour, sand play, log scramble, inclusive carousel, basket swing, sound play, climbing nets, concrete slides and a path for skate and wheel play.
- Iconic features retained and refurbished - dinosaur slide, eel (tuna) toddler swings and whale.
- Better layout with clear linkages and connections.
- Relocation of the pump track.
- Shaded spaces for families to gather, picnic tables, bike rack and parking for refreshment trucks.
- More organised grass open space to support free play.
Marlow Park playspace concept design (2.7MB, new window)
Mosgiel – urban play theme
- New features – water, sound, music and sand play; log scramble trail; play tower with slides, climbing nets and role play opportunities.
- Reuse existing popular equipment that is still in good condition.
- New relocated skate park with flow and street-style skate areas.
- Replace the preschool play module and sand play.
- Relocate the liberty swing to an improved setting providing better integration with surrounding play elements.
- Better layout unifying the space with clear linkages and connections.
- Integrate the playground better with adjacent gardens through a water play space.
Mosgiel Memorial Garden playspace concept design (13.6MB, new window)
Woodhaugh – water, adventure and woodland theme
- New features – play tower with slides, inclusive carousel, basket swing, in-ground trampolines, adult-sized swing and sculptural swing set, and inclusive social swing, sound and music play, climbing net, spinning seesaw and bug rockers.
- Water play area replaces the paddling pool and features a shallow stream with log and boardwalk crossings, water pump and collection container, radial ripple pad and puddle jump, fog misters, containment basins and interactive valve and sculptural shade structure.
- Single flying fox replaced with a double flying fox.
- Existing barbecue shelter retained with additional shade treatments.
- Nature and exploratory play with insect hotels, agility timber trail, sculptural seed pod stepping elements and talking tubes.
- Better layout with clear linkages and connections (including path realignments).
- Additional planting and landscaping.
Woodhaugh Gardens playspace concept design (2.5MB, new window)
Have your say on the three destination playground designs
Thank you - the feedback period has now closed.
We wanted to know what you think about the proposed concept plan for updating our three existing destination playgrounds to modern destination playgrounds. The Council will consider the feedback on the concept plans and decide on the next steps. We’ll keep you updated about the project on this page.
What is a destination playground?
Destination playgrounds are large, themed playgrounds with high-quality, creative and sustainable equipment designed to be fun and physically and mentally challenging. A modern destination playground provides inclusive play opportunities for all ages. As well as modern play equipment, destination playgrounds have facilities for comfort so families can stay all day. These can include parking, toilets (with baby change facilities), seating and other park furniture, refreshments, water fountains, CCTV, barbecues, lighting and shade. They attract high visitor numbers and help to support our goal of encouraging people of all ages and abilities to be active and to engage in play.
Our current destination playgrounds
Dunedin has three existing large playgrounds at Mosgiel Memorial Gardens, Woodhaugh Gardens and Marlow Park. Each has a different theme, unique characteristics and is well-known, well-used and loved by the community. Marlow Park is a whimsical and imaginative playground close to the beach, Mosgiel Memorial Gardens provides a modern and urban experience with skate facilities and Woodhaugh provides bush and water play. However, some of their equipment is old and outdated and they do not have all the features of modern destination playgrounds you might find in other cities in New Zealand.
Why are we upgrading these destination playgrounds?
When we developed the Play Space Plan we heard our community wanted better play experiences. We’ve started upgrading our local and community playgrounds. Now we’ve decided to invest in bigger, more modern destination play.
There are emerging trends in play that will affect the way we develop and use destination playgrounds in the future. Upgrading our existing destination playgrounds will be a more sustainable approach for the city; it means our destination playgrounds are fit for purpose and will still be a treasure for our community.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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What questions are we asking?
You can provide feedback on what you like about the concept plans and if anything is missing or is unnecessary or needs changing.
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Who is affected?
Everyone – all ages and abilities.
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What happens to public feedback?
Feedback will help the Council to finalise the designs.
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How much will this project cost?
Costs can’t be finalised until the detailed designs have been approved.
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When will the playground be built?
If approved, the playgrounds will be built between 2025 and 2028.
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Which playground will be built first?
A decision hasn’t yet been made on this.
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Who can I talk to if I have questions?
You can contact us at parksconsulting@dcc.govt.nz or phone 03 477 4000.