Waikanae Park Refresh
Waikanae Park is one of our most popular destination parks and it's about to get even better. We've been working with regular users and our community to develop a masterplan for the park. The masterplan sets out our vision for maintaining and developing the park, so it continues to be a safe place for everyone.
The masterplan recommends a list of improvements which will be delivered over time.
Playground and skatepark refresh planned to begin March this year
Designs for the new skatepark and refreshed playground are now final. Construction work will begin March this year (2026) and will be carried out in two stages alongside our shared path improvements on Park Avenue.
A recent condition assessment confirmed that the current playground equipment is outdated and could become dangerous to users. It needs to be replaced.
The skatepark was removed in June 2025 after a condition assessment of the skatepark showed it was a safety risk.
We have reprioritised budgets this year (2026) to:
- Replace the ageing playground equipment
- Build a new skatepark
- Deliver some other safety and amenity improvements – including a new toilet block with accessible loos by the playground.
View our playground and skatepark designs
![View the Waikanae Park Master Plan [PNG 1.99 MB]](/media/b5innh3u/waikanae-park-masterplan.png){kind=link}
Note: These images are artist impressions and subject to change.
The pump track will be relocated to Waikanae North Reserve at the end of February to enable site preparation works to progress. We will also need to remove two trees adjacent to the footpath on Park Avenue to make way for the skatepark and toilet block.
For each tree we remove, we will plant three native trees in the surrounding area to provide shade and enhance the area.
Timeline
2024
We asked our community about was important to them about the playground area
Early 2025
Tender to engage a team of playground expert designers, suppliers and builders. Together, we’ll take what we heard from our community and develop a concept plan for the new playground and skatepark.
Mid-2025
Skatepark demolished due to safety concerns. Project is reset. We asked our community again for their thought on the future of the park.
Late 2025
Share concept plan with community for further comment. Finalise design of new playground and skatepark and new toilet block.
March–June 2026
Skatepark construction
June–November 2026
New playground equipment installed and toilet block established.
November 2026
New skatepark and play space open!