customer case

David Lange Park Playground, New Zealand

Case Details

Location

New Zealand

customer

Auckland City Council

Age Group

2+

Capacity

56+

Landmark outdoor playground created in partnership with tangata whenua

This playground in Māngere, South Auckland, tells the story of how the landscape in this region came to be (Te Riri o Mataaho), through oral tradition passed down through generations of local Iwi. KOMPAN playground equipment was incorporated into the design to help reflect this story in a standout new outdoor play area.

KOMPAN collaborated with New Zealand partner Playground People and landscape architects Isthmus, who engaged Waahi Wairua to liaise and collaborate with Iwi to deliver a thoughtfully designed playspace that reflects the local community.

Keep reading to see the solution KOMPAN delivered for Auckland City Council.

"It's such a gift to be part of this project. Online I've seen comments like 'Is this really Māngere?' and 'Wow this is something we've never had before,' and that's what we wanted. We wanted the community to come here see that through all the consultation we did, we listened."

Jasmine Samuel - Programme Manager, Community Facilities at Auckland Council

The outcome? A Iconic playspace rooted in culture and community

KOMPAN helped provide a truly one-of-a-kind outdoor playground that reflects mana whenua. With the challenge of designing bespoke play panels and playground structures, KOMPAN crafted innovative pieces of equipment directly from our factory, each manufactured to meet the specific needs of the community. Including the GIANTS modular play structure, contemporary swings like the You & Me and wooden Pendulum Swing, a playground flying fox, and much more.

In a community that has endured its share of challenges, this new play area has had a brilliant impact. Offering a safe, exciting, and inclusive destination for local families to spend the day until the kids run out of steam! Delivered in partnership with Auckland Council and the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, the playground has quickly become a landmark attraction.

More than just a play area, this site stands as a powerful example of genuine engagement and collaboration with local communities. Through this design, KOMPAN and the project team have honoured the cultural significance of the landscape while creating a space that iwi can feel proud of and connected to for generations to come.

Physical

Physical

Joy of movement: motor skills, muscle, cardio and bone density

Cognitive

Cognitive

Joy of learning: curiosity, understanding of causal relationships and knowledge of the world

Social-Emotional

Social-Emotional

Joy of being together: teamwork, tolerance and sense of belonging

Creative

Creative

Joy of creating: co-creation and experimenting with materials

What steps were involved in this project?

After receiving the enquiry, our local expert arranged a site visit to meet with the customer. During the visit, they assessed the space, discussed the customer’s vision, and provided professional guidance on the best solutions to meet their needs.

Once we had gathered all the necessary details, our team carefully crafted a bespoke design that aligned with the customer's vision. Every element was thoughtfully considered to ensure the design not only met their functional and aesthetic requirements but also stayed within budget.

A mutually convenient installation date was agreed with the customer, ensuring minimal disruption. Once finalised, all equipment was carefully delivered, and comprehensive safety measures were put in place to protect the public and maintain a secure working environment. With everything in place, our expert installation team got to work.

The project was successfully completed within the agreed timeframe. Once the installation was finalised, our experienced inspection team conducted a thorough safety inspection, carrying out detailed checks on all equipment, surfacing, and structural elements. This rigorous process ensured that the site met all industry standards and safety regulations.

Watch as families enjoy and explore their brand-new outdoor space.

What next?

See how else we can help you with your outdoor play or fitness project.

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