DCC approves latest Marlow Park design upgrade

Council also voted on a separate motion (8-5) to replace the 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.

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

In addition, the whale will be accompanied by a 6m waka 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.

The latest design substantially increases the number of play opportunities at Marlow Park.

Other proposed play equipment:

• Flying foxes
• Swing sets
• 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 upgraded Marlow Park Destination Playground is expected to be completed in June 2027.

Marlow Park voting details:

It was agreed that three resolutions would be taken separately.

1, that the Council approves the developed design.

Moved (Cr Mickey Treadwell/Cr Cherry Lucas).

Motion carried (with Crs Jo Galer, Russell Lund and Lee Vandervis recording their votes against).

2, that the Council approves option one for the dinosaur slide, being the replication of the dinosaur head and neck through 3D scanning and reconstruction, relocation to the proposed slide zone, and removal of the existing dinosaur structure.

Moved (Cr Mickey Treadwell/Cr Cherry Lucas).

The Council voted by division.

For: Crs John Chambers, Christine Garey, Doug Hall, Marie Laufiso, Cherry Lucas, Mandy Mahem, Mickey Treadwell and Steve Walker (8).

Against: Crs Jo Galer, Russell Lund, Andrew Simms, Lee Vandervis and Brent Weatherall (5).

3, that the Council authorises staff to continue to seek additional funding via grants or sponsorship to increase the range of play and activity options in the playground.

Moved (Cr Mickey Treadwell/Cr Cherry Lucas).

Motion carried.

Absent: Mayor Sophie Barker, Cr Benedict Ong.

You can read the full report to Council here

More information here

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