Auckland playground makeover: From 90s relic to family favourite

A new South Auckland playground is proving a huge hit with local families and their children, who say it's inclusive and fun.

After weather delays, a blessing was held at the upgraded Kimpton Park on Thursday.

Families explored the park’s new features during a local sausage sizzle and community entertainment, including a Spiderman character for children, during the opening.

For local parents, the upgrade goes beyond new play equipment, following community consultation on safer and more accessible neighbourhood spaces.

Local parent Tim Maifeleni says the upgrade is the best thing to happen to the park since the 1990s.

“The last playground here was pretty rickety, something left over from the 90s,” he says. “It was mean back then, but it needed an upgrade. So we’re pretty stoked to have a new park for our kids to play in.”

Families make the most of the new play equipment at the upgraded Kimpton Park playground. Photo/Taelegalolo'u Mary Afemata

Maifeleni says the result reflects what residents asked for during the consultation.

“What we asked for is exactly what we’re seeing today,” he says. “It’s good to see the local board being responsive to the community’s voice.”

The upgrade has improved accessibility for his family, he says.

“I have a child with a disability, and he’s been able to come along and enjoy the park as well,” he says.

Local residents Renay and Vincent say the playground’s new location closer to the footpath, making it easier for families to access and enjoy. Photo/PMN News/Taelegalolo'u Mary Afemata

For local parents Renay and Vincent, who have lived in the area for eight years, the upgrade has changed how their family uses the park.

“I think it’s the best thing that’s happened since we’ve lived here,” Renay says.

Despite community consultation, she says they were unaware the park was being rebuilt until work began. Vincent says the park’s new location has made a noticeable difference for families, making it easier to use.

“Before, we had to walk all the way across the field. Now it’s closer to the footpath, there’s more for the kids to do, and there are rubbish bins as well,” he says.

Zaiva and her family enjoy the new swings at the upgraded Kimpton Park. Photo/PMN News/Taelegalolo'u Mary Afemata

Another local resident, Zaiva, says the upgraded playground has become a favourite for her family.

“My kids like to come and play here,” she says, adding that the blue swing is her daughter’s favourite.

“We’ll be coming more.”

The $400,000 upgrade was funded by the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board following consultation with residents.

The renewed Kimpton Park playground features new equipment, open space and improved pathways following community consultation. Photo/PMN News/Taelegalolo'u Mary Afemata

The renewed playground includes swings, climbing modules, a tunnel, a small slide, talking tubes, a space net and a balancing trail, alongside a volleyball court and open lawn space.

New pathways connect the playground to walkways from Kimpton Road and Cornwall Road, with picnic tables and seating.

The playground does not include lighting, a deliberate design choice intended to keep the space safe and peaceful after dark.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board members Topou Folau and Li’amanaia Lorenzo Kaisara, alongside Manukau ward councillor Lotu Fuli, joined community members and Auckland Council staff to celebrate the opening.

Fuli says the Kimpton Park upgrade reflects years of local board decision-making shaped by funding constraints and community consultation.

“I am really proud of the way that the Ōtara Papatoetoe Local Board has listened to the community, and this is not the first time. They've done it several times when they've been renewing and upgrading the playgrounds.”

She says the work goes back to when she was local board chair, and even to when Fa’anana Efeso Collins held the role.

Fuli says the Kimpton Park upgrade is part of a wider programme of work delivered over multiple terms of the local board.

“Kimpton Park is amazing and looks great."

It shows that the previous local board chair, Apulu Reece Autagavaia, and Deputy Vi Hausia and members, really put the community first, Fuli says.

"They're from the area, they live in the area. It's really important to them that facilities reflect what our community wants and needs, and make sure that our people can actually use and will use them.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.