A guide to Waimakariri playgrounds by age
Taken from Waimakariri Monthly online newsletter: July 2024
With so many great playgrounds in our District, we’re spoilt for choice. But not all playgrounds are made equal when it comes to the different ages and stages of our tamariki.
Terrific for tots!
While they’re still getting the hang of staying upright, it’s critical that you can head to a playground that’s going to foster their curiosity and make for a soft landing. These playgrounds are perfect for those littles in your life.
Victoria Park: Corner Queen and Percival Streets, Rangiora
Victoria Park is a Rangiora icon and dates all the way back to 1902. Thankfully though, the playground is quite a bit younger. Featuring both a smaller and larger playground, there’s options for every confidence level. The wider park has lots of space for running around as well as picnic tables and the modern toilets include nappy change tables.
Oakwood Park Playground: Corner Elm and Oakwood Drives, Rangiora
An ideal playground for little ones, Oakwood Park in Rangiora has a fully fenced area for toddlers with a sandpit, slide, baby swings and a park bench so you can take a load off. There’s also additional play equipment outside the fenced area for older kids, as well as a basketball court. A picnic table, toilet and playing field with serene walking paths complete the package.
Pegasus Lake Playground: Pegasus Main Street, Pegasus
Located next to Pegasus Lake this playground is suitable for all ages. With a purpose built toddler play area on the ground to explore there’s no need to worry about unsteady legs. Grassed areas nearby make for great picnicking and a walk around the lake makes the ideal day out. There are also toilets for your convenience.
Preschool but still cool
We’re still mastering those fine motor skills but we’re ready to let our imaginations run wild. These parks will make for a fun adventure every time.
Elephant Park:
Corner Blackett Street & Whites Road, Rangiora
With play equipment for both toddlers and older children there’s plenty of variety. True to its name, the colourful elephant takes centre stage as well as a life size tractor. This playground features soft mat flooring and plenty of shady spots so it’s a great place to spend an afternoon.
Trousselot Park and Playground: Charles Street, Kaiapoi
Ideal for preschoolers and slightly older children, but young toddlers will enjoy it too with your help. With plenty of different equipment to keep everyone entertained, the park also features a skate park area for older siblings. The stunning garden area makes the perfect picnic setting with toilets and amenities.
Owen Stalker Park: Rangiora-Woodend Road, Woodend
Let them be the conductor of their own imaginations at Owen Stalker Park! A great playground for train lovers of all ages and an epic slide. A toddler-friendly BMX track sits alongside the playground and a flying fox will really have them jumping for joy.
Years one to three this is for thee
Acacia Avenue Playground: 65 Acacia Ave Reserve, Rangiora
This modern playground has loads of room for climbing and playing for those slightly older kids. A large field makes ball sports a breeze and a basketball court takes the game to the next level. A picnic table and toilets make this a great spot to burn some energy.
Torlesse Playground: Johns Road, Rangiora
Torlesse playground has everything you want in a playground. Perfect for school-aged children and younger family members, there are slides, swings and everything in between. A marked “road” makes scootering and skating all the more fun.
Ohoka Domain Playground: Corner Mill and Whites Roads, Ohoka
A great little playground on a picturesque domain, Okoka Domain has great play areas for both toddlers and older children as well as a BMX track great for toddlers (with help), pre-schoolers and older children. Toilets, picnic areas and a large grass area make it a versatile play space.
I’m a big kid now
Rangiora Skatepark
A concrete playground in the heart of Rangiora. This skatepark is great for big kids and kids at heart. Test out their skills in the bowls or on the bars. There’s loads of space to practice whether its biking, skateboarding, rollerblading or something in between.
Sovereign Palms Playground: Beachvale Drive, Kaiapoi
This modern playground is great for the bigger kids with monkey bars and a spiderweb to keep them from climbing up the walls at home. It also features a baby swing and other fun things suitable for young toddlers. A wrap around footpath and amenities make it perfect for families of every shape and size.
Townsend Reserve
One of Waimakariri’s newest playgrounds, Townsend Reserve playground brings adventure to the foreground. With a wicked flying fox, awesome slides and plenty of swings they’ll be entertained for hours. Plenty of benches and picnic tables, toilet facilities and a gravel loop track mean you can really settle in for the day.
Explore more Parks and Reserves in the Waimakariri District.