New Water Play Area to open at Oamaru Public Gardens
Published on 29 November 2024
Monday will see the brand new water play area open at the Oamaru Public Gardens. Replacing the two splash-pools which had served the community is a new, larger, interactive water play area.
The new play area is fed by three differing water pumps, and two water jets which can be operated by young and old, allowing water play and exploration. It’s hoped the design will attract all ages and abilities, and especially families during the summer months.
The course of the water is modelled after the Waitaki River, with Lakes Benmore and Aviemore represented, and there are small dams with sluice gates are the points where the Benmore and Aviemore dams sit.
For those looking out for their children or grandchildren during the summer, additional bench seating has been placed with shade sails – and one shade sail will cover the lower section of the play area.
There’s even a surprise lurking in the largest sandpit for those with a shovel and enough curiosity, that emulates Waitaki’s fascinating geological history – but we’ll let you dig that one out on your own.
With an innovative natural drainage system complemented by native planting, the new play area provides a much larger space for people to enjoy fun in the sun, and water!
And, because the public let us know they wanted them to remain, the seals are already overseeing things thanks to a new paint job from local artist Wicksey. The swings will be back soon too, placed in the middle of the park. They will be ready once new safety surfacing has been placed underneath by local firm Numat.
The water play area will open at 4pm on Monday afternoon, and we invite the community to join us. Weather permitting, and bring a towel!
Council wishes to thank Dugald Armour and Design Squared Landscape Architects for the design plans, Road Metals for gifting the rocks used, the Oamaru Beautifying Society for sponsoring the plants from Statement Trees, the secret lurking under the sandpit created by Matt King, Ireland Engineering for reinstating the swings, Numat for putting down the softfall underneath and of course the wonderful team at Specialised Services Group for their hard work bringing it all to life.