A community celebration to open the redeveloped Havelock North Village Green takes place this Saturday.
In May last year an open day was held at the green just before it was closed off so the playground revamp could begin, and the historic Havelock North cricket pavilion could be relocated on the site.
This Saturday, the community will be able to reflect on how far the development has come with the unveiling of the $1.5m playground containing a first-of-its-kind water play feature that meanders through the playground with lots of ways to dam and divert water.
Another unique feature was the climbing race game where children climb fireman poles to ring a bell at the top, and the playground included a skate area.
The installation of an enhanced water supply, turf, tree and shrub planting began this month, and a David Trubridge-designed and donated shade structure that mirrored the silhouette of Te Mata Peak was also part of the plans.