The new slide at the Frank Kitts Park Playground in central Wellington. Photo: Celeste Fontein / Wellington City Council
Wellington Frank Kitts playground will finally reopen next week after being out of action for almost three years.
The playground was dismantled in September 2021 when the slide was deemed a safety concern after a child reportedly broke their leg.
The playground's slide before it was dismantled and removed in 2021. Photo: Supplied
There will be an official dawn blessing of the playground - which features a new, interactive waka - on 29 February.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau said she was thrilled the community could enjoy the space once again and thanked the public for their patience.
"After entertaining Wellingtonians and visitors for many years, the playground at Frank Kitts Park was originally scheduled to be redeveloped into a destination playspace in 2016. After delays due to several factors - including the liquidation of the original contractor, rising inflation and other cost pressures - the project was restarted in 2023 with a more modest design," said Whanau.
The area had been designed with a maritime and coastal landscape theme and included a new lighthouse with a refurbished original cupola dome, climbing nets, swing sets and a shaded seating area.
Matthew McIntyre-Wilson was the creator behind the waka - named Whetū Mārama, meaning Bright Star.
He said the waka was more than just a playground feature.
"Whetū Mārama is a living, breathing entity that holds and imparts knowledge. It represents the continuation of our voyaging heritage, a physical and symbolic link to our tūpuna. It is a reminder of the importance of waka in our history - not just as vessels of transport, but as keepers of stories, technology, and traditions."
The new playground at Wellington Botanic Garden. Photo: Wellington City Council / Supplied
The council had also refreshed the playground at Wellington Botanic Garden, which had a new flying fox, a large tower, three long slides and an all-ages swing set.
A spokesperson said after 22 years, the play area was due for a well-deserved upgrade.
There will be an official opening of the botanic garden playground on 1 March along with whānau-friendly activities such as giant bubbles and chalk art.
Both openings are being celebrated with the council-run event Te Rā o Ngā Tamariki - Childrens' Day on Sunday 3 March, when the cable car will be free for those aged between five and 15.