Marlow Park - Destination playground upgrade

On Thursday 5 November 2026, Council voted to approve the developed design for Marlow Park. Council also voted to replace the current dinosaur slide with a new version.

The head and neck of the current dinosaur slide will be replicated by 3d scan, reconstructed and relocated to a sloped bank area with other new slides, accessed from a new deck and ramp.

Alongside a recreated dinosaur slide, a reimagined whale play structure is expected to become a new iconic centrepiece.

Read the full report to Council.

The design process

The Marlow Park design process has built on previous rounds of Destination Playground public consultation and feedback on previous concepts. The process has involved mana whenua, disability advocates, play specialists and, more recently, lead contractor Isaac Construction and partners.

The overarching concept for the playground is based around the legend of Maui, a master navigator, and reflects Māori and Polynesian navigation to Aotearoa. The large size of Marlow Park and its proximity to the ocean means this navigation theme can be applied from the entrance through areas within the playground.

A new whale play experience

The design team has reinterpreted the whale to create a much larger, integrated play experience.

The new whale play structure, which is being designed and built by the world-famous Monstrum play equipment company, will be 11.5m long, up to 5m high and includes an interior play space, slide, parallel bars, climbing nets and climbing poles.

The whale will be accompanied by a 6m waka, also created by Monstrum, that provides further play opportunities.

Alongside the whale and the waka, there will be climbing, sliding, balancing, imaginary, sensory and accessible play opportunities in this central area, which spans 550m².

Other play equipment

Other proposed play equipment:

• Flying foxes
• Swing sets
• Inclusive carousel
• Large tower with climbing net, platforms, slides and tunnels.
• Large multi-play structure with monkey bars, spinning net, cargo net, rock climbing, stepping disc, bridges, slide, twin bars and platforms
• Pendulum swing
• Rope swing
• Dual racing slide
• Accessible slide
• Water play area with troughs and gates.
• Sand play area with diggers, sand table, platform and tools
• Nature play area

The selection of equipment aims to provide a range of experiences for various ages and abilities, challenge levels and balances individual and group play.

The number of play opportunities in the park will substantially increase. So, too, will the number of play types on each piece of equipment. Also, more children will be able to play on the same equipment at the same time.

Natural play elements include locally sourced logs and rocks and provide additional opportunities for riskier play.

Accessibility

The design team is focused on creating a more accessible space for a range of physical abilities.

Where possible, accessible elements are incorporated with general play, so users can play together, rather than being segregated on separate equipment.

The accessibility of other facilities in the park will also be improved, including footpaths, and other furniture.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) boards will be installed at strategic locations in the playground. These signs feature a mix of English, Te Reo Māori and symbols. They allow children to communicate their feelings, what they want to do next, or ask for a turn by simply pointing to the board.

Specialist user areas

The current pump track will be replaced with a slightly larger in-ground version.

The design of the specialist equipment in the parkour and skate areas is still being resolved with input from those communities.

The existing full court basketball court will be replaced with a half court and single hoop.

Supporting infrastructure

Other infrastructure in the park will also be upgraded. This includes improved footpaths, increased seating, drinking fountains, cycle and scooter parking, shade and shelter, electric BBQs and picnic tables.

Toilets at the park have already been upgraded.

Next steps

Procurement of all play and other equipment will begin. The design team will complete detailed and construction design and continue working with representatives of the skate and parkour communities to refine these specialist areas.

Following Council and public feedback on the earlier planned closure over the Christmas holiday period, we will ensure the existing playground stays open until late-January. Some small areas may be cordoned off for preparatory works.

From February, existing equipment will start to be removed, and ground, utility and foundation works will begin. The playground will be closed to the public. This may be done in stages to keep some areas of the park open longer. Equipment installation is expected to commence from March 2027.

During construction, temporary access will be provided to the learn-to-ride area. Entrances to this area will shift from time to time.

The upgraded Marlow Park Destination Playground is planned to be reopened in June 2027.

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