Lions Park
Te Anau, Southland
Circa Budget:
$620,000
A Revitalised Lakeside Destination
Nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau in Fiordland, Lions Park has long been a beloved lakeside spot for families, locals, and visitors—with picnic areas, BBQs, restrooms, and breathtaking views. Thanks to a redevelopment by the Southland District Council, Fiordland Community Board, and community partners, this iconic space has been transformed into Southland’s newest destination playground.
Creo owned the entire project through our end-to-end design-build process, providing one point of contact and transparent timelines from concept to completion—eliminating surprises and delivering punctual installations with proactive updates.
We wove in Te Anau’s alpine wilderness, cultural heritage, and adventurous spirit to create an innovative, inclusive playspace that sparks joy for all abilities, while using eco-conscious choices like recycled components and natural treated timber for carbon-aware, long-lasting durability suited to New Zealand’s environments.
This revitalization maximises budget value with package deals on equipment and surfacing, delivering high-quality play without the premium price tag. Compliant with NZ standards, it prioritises accessibility, sensory play, and safety—turning community challenges into opportunities for vibrant spaces that build confidence, connections, and lasting impact.
The One-of-a-Kind Caravan:
A Bespoke Masterpiece
No feature captures the magic of Lions Park quite like our custom caravan, handcrafted in Creo's Oamaru workshop.
This whimsical play structure, designed to evoke the spirit of road trips through Fiordland's landscapes, serves as a cozy hideaway for imaginative role-play.
Watch the timelapse video below to see the caravan come to life—from initial sketches to final assembly. Our team moved fast and stayed close, owning the whole thing to deliver this unique piece on time and on budget.
This caravan isn’t just equipment; it’s an investment in joy, with quick responses and clear explanations throughout the build making collaboration straightforward and stress-free.
Sustainable Materials and Surfaces
Sustainability was at the forefront of this project, addressing environmental concerns while ensuring durability in high-use areas. We used:
- 6,650kg of Recycled Material for the shockpad base.
- 1,000kg of Recycled Material in the top layer.
- 3,800kg of TPV (thermoplastic vulcanizate) for resilient surfacing.
- 55m³ of Playground Mulch for natural cushioning.
- 33 x 6m Lengths of Robinia Timber for robust, eco-friendly structures.
Covering:
- 275m² of Pour N Play for seamless, accessible rubber surfaces.
- 155m² of Playground Chip for soft-fall zones.
- 60m² of Concrete for pathways and stability.
These choices reflect our upfront approach with the numbers, providing exceptional value through materials that stand up to the elements and thrive year after year.
A Community Triumph
After a seamless rollout, Lions Park now draws families from across Southland and beyond. As one parent shared, “It’s on-point, on time, and on price—exactly what Te Anau needed.”
With award-winning execution and a proven track record, Creo continues to be the trusted choice for councils nationwide.
Connect with our team to design a vibrant playground, select top-tier equipment, explore safe surfacing, choose complete packages, or add shelters. Your ideas drive our creations.