Waikanae Park Refresh
Waikanae Park is one of our most popular destination parks and it's getting 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.
The skatepark is officially open!
The main construction for stage one is complete and officially opened on 9 July. We're now onto the final touches - letting the new grass grow and installing lights. officially opened on 9 July. We're now onto the final touches - letting the new grass grow and installing lights.
Hot tips:
- Use the gravel entrance by the wrestling club carpark. Some gravel may end up on the skatepark for now – grass is on its way to fix that.
- Take it easy after rain – fresh concrete can be slippery!
- Keep out of the fenced-off areas around the edges while they dry out.
Please respect and look after this skatepark. On the same day of opening, it was vandalised and closed momentarily due to safety concerns and to assess the damage. Repairs are now needed. Should you see anything of this nature, please contact us.
We’re now beginning work to instal the new playground equipment and toilet block.
Playground and skatepark refresh
Construction of the skatepark and playground refresh began in March 2026 and are being carried out in two stages alongside our shared path improvements on Park Avenue.
A condition assessment confirmed the current playground equipment is outdated and could become dangerous to users.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 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
These concepts reflect the park’s significance to Mana Whenua and its natural geography. The site was once the floor of the Waimea Awa, which flowed through lowland forest and wetlands, and this history has inspired the park’s design ideas.
![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 has been relocated to Waikanae North Reserve to enable site preparation works to progress. We have removed 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!