Waipapa park, Hataitai

Sandpit!  Shade covers! Fully enclosed! Access to toilets and water on weekdays via attached community centre!

I spotted this park while at end of year party at the bowling club opposite the playground. It was the first 'new' park we visited on our playground challenge and it is a real find. 

Part of the reason behind the sandpit and shade sails is that the park is attached to the local Kindy. It is an excellent community space.

We were here for quite a long time. It was supposed to rain today, so the sunshine was a bonus. Luckily we had our sunhats with us and we could enjoy some good fresh air, despite not having any sunscreen with us!

I wish I'd bought a book with me as it was really lovely and tranquil. However, the children played do nicely it was quite pleasant just sitting alongside them, watching their play.

A really nice thing about this park is the two child sized picnic tables alongside the adult ones. I'm sure it is the influence of the Kindy, but it is really nice to see child sized furniture in a playground.

Centennial Park/ Miramar North Play Area

IWell, my motivation for this challenge was to learn more about Wellington. Since I didn't grow up here, I don't have a great sense of where all the playgrounds or fields are and my knowledge is very much based in Southern Wellington.

The children dubbed this 'the green park.'

They both love to hang from bars so this park took their fancy. However, we learnt that the sunscreen we are swathed in means that sliding is quite challenging - too slippery!

Not fully fenced (but pretty well enclosed.

No toilets

No water

No picnic tables

Akaroa Drive Play Area, Maupuia

Google maps does not pronounce Akaroa or Maupuia well. Still, we were determined to cover more of the Eastern playgrounds and headed out.

The children liked the pirate ship themed playground, and enjoyed the lookout binoculars greatly. My youngest said 'me hearties' a number of times.

There was a mysterious unmarked path which I wanted to explore. It was the steepest path I've encountered in a long time and the children took some persuading. I hoped that there was a lookout or something, but it was just a cut through to the next street.

There were two toddler swings, two big kid swings and s picnic table. The long green slide was very popular, unfortunately both girls were wearing shorts so burnt the back of their legs :(