Napier's Anderson Park Playground reopens in perfect time for school holidays

Anderson Park Playground was finished at the perfect time as children can enjoy it over the school holidays. Photo / Supplied

The Anderson Park Playground has opened early - and at the perfect time as school children enjoy the second week of their holidays.

The final touches to the playground were made a little earlier than expected and the Napier City Council took down the fencing which kept the public safe during the construction.

Although the playground is open to members of the public, the official opening will take place on Sunday July 22 between 10am and 12pm.

Napier city councillors confirmed the name of the playground last week.

Council contractors worked tirelessly to install the right equipment for children and their families, with several stakeholder groups consulted about important contributing factors for a new positive environment.

The focus was on creating a playground that catered for all ages and abilities.

They included a mini-tower that's wheelchair-accessible via a ramp, as well as a double-width slide so caregivers can slide down with children. A spinning disc and cradle swing will accommodate those who are less able-bodied.

The playground also features artwork with messages in braille for the sight-impaired and a range of sensory equipment such as a large xylophone, musical bridge and drums.

The official opening will offer plenty of activity for those who are planning to attend.

Children can have their faces painted by Meerlo Creations and there'll be a sausage sizzle, run by Tamatea High School - fundraising to get to a kick-boxing competition in Bali this year.

Milky's Coffee will also be on site as well as Bubbles in the Bay.

Stakeholders and those involved in the build will also be at the opening on Sunday, including Boffa Miskell, McNatty Construction, Playground Centre, Playground People, Numat, PlayRope and artist Ricks Terstappen.

Councillors and Napier Youth Council representatives will be there too, with Napier mayor Bill Dalton looking forward to playing the lead role.

"It's great that we're able to give the community access to the playground earlier than expected. It's a fantastic addition to a wonderful park, something to be enjoyed by many," he said.

Playgrounds such as the one at Anderson Park are known as Destination Playgrounds. They're popular nationally and internationally because of the diverse range of experiences they offer families and people of all ages and abilities.

Like Anderson Park's playground they include high and low activity areas, physical challenges in the form of swinging, sliding, climbing and spinning, structured and non-structured play, areas which provide elevation, enclosure and sensory experiences and learning opportunities.