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Playspace Design and Build
Cass Square Playground
Hokitika
The cool little playground.
Client:
Westland District Council
Location:
Hokitika
Circa budget:
$900,000
Cass Square Playground in Hokitika is a playground that truly stands out, thanks to the collaboration between Creo and the Westland District Council.
Creo carried the playspace design and build from start to finish, ensuring the entire process was smooth and stress-free for the Council and the community.
The result is a vibrant, inclusive playground that honours Hokitika’s rich cultural and natural heritage, designed for everyone to enjoy.
A journey of Maori and Colonial history
connected in this playspace
From Vision to Reality
The Westland District Council envisioned a destination playground for locals and visitors. The challenge was creating a playspace that felt like a true community reflection. From the initial concept to the final design, the Council was involved every step of the way, ensuring that the playground met the needs and desires of Hokitika’s residents.
A Design Rooted in Hokitika
Drawing inspiration from Hokitika’s wild beauty and cultural heritage, the design evolved into a natural and inviting space. The playground features wooden structures, dynamic flooring, and custom elements like the clock tower climber and waka, which celebrate local Māori heritage, which is represented in different parts of this great playspace.
Accessibility was a key focus, as we wanted to ensure that the playground would be welcoming and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Inclusive Play for Everyone
Cass Square Playground was designed to be a place where everyone can play, regardless of their abilities:
- Vision/Hearing: The playground’s design includes high-contrast colours and games, making navigating easier for those with visual impairments. An interactive panel featuring sign language and braille ensures that everyone can engage with the space.
- For Mobility: The playground includes wheelchair-accessible equipment such as the waka, carousel, and see-saw. The ground level of the tower is accessible, with interactive panels and communication tubes connecting different levels, ensuring everyone can join in the fun. Wide gates and smooth surfaces ensure easy access throughout the playground.
Unique Features
- Clock Tower: This feature is a playful yet functional centrepiece inspired by Hokitika’s historic clock tower. Children can climb, slide, and explore, with elements like climbing walls, and talk tubes, making the tower fun and interactive.
- Surface Design: The playground’s surface was designed to be more than just safe—it’s engaging and visually striking, with different textures and colours reflecting Hokitika’s natural landscape. High-contrast zones make the playground accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
- Custom Equipment: From the flying fox to the themed shelters, each piece of equipment was crafted to resonate with Hokitika’s local culture and the community’s needs.
Inclusive Play for Everyone
As the project came together, the Council and community saw their vision become reality. The playground now serves as a welcoming space for all, with features like benches, accessible tables, and a communication board ensuring comfort and inclusivity. It’s a place where the community can gather, explore, and play together.
Clock Tower – A Tribute to Hokitika’s Heritage
The clock tower at Cass Square Playground is the heart of the space, designed to honour Hokitika’s rich history while providing endless fun for children. Inspired by the town’s iconic clock tower, this bespoke structure invites kids to explore, climb, and play in a way that connects them to the local heritage.
Key Features:
- Interactive Design: The clock tower climber is designed for adventure. Children can scale climbing walls, slide down, and communicate with friends using talk tubes connecting different tower levels. Not to mention the hidden games in there.
- Cultural Connection: This it’s a tribute to Hokitika’s historic clock tower. By incorporating this local landmark into the playground, children engage with an essential piece of their town’s history, fostering a sense of place and belonging.
- Locally Crafted: The clock tower was designed and manufactured in Creo’s local workshop, keeping the project rooted in New Zealand craftsmanship. Using local resources and expertise, the tower reflects the community’s heritage and supports local industry.
- Accessibility: The tower’s ground level is fully accessible, featuring interactive panels that ensure children of all abilities can join in the fun. From playing inside the clock face to exploring the various features, the design is inclusive, making sure everyone can enjoy this central attraction.
The clock tower perfectly blends history and play, making it a standout feature of Cass Square Playground.
It serves as a landmark within the playground, drawing children and families to explore, imagine, and connect with Hokitika’spast while creating new memories.
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