We loved everything about this park. It is a park that can cater to all ages and all disabilities. There's a playground with a flying fox and a skatepark. Theres also water features too. Toilet facilities, bbq area. We definitely recommend this park if you havent been before.
Anderson Park Playground
Greenmeadows, Napier 4112
Why these ages?
NZ Rec Award-winning destination with 10m tower, twin flying fox, skate park, splash pad, and a distinct 'smaller toddler play space' plus inclusive equipment (wheelchair swing, sensory zone). Natural creek + skate mean not run-them-loose safe for a wandering 2yr old, but toddler zone is genuinely present and well-designed.
Access notes
Built as an all abilities destination playground with a wheelchair swing added in 2024, pour in place rubber and artificial turf giving full wheelchair access throughout, an accessible toilet with a changing hoist, an inclusive carousel, a yellow wayfinding path, and a musical sensory zone with communication boards.
What's here
Anderson Park Destination Playground, on former racecourse land in Greenmeadows, is Hawke's Bay's standout all-abilities play space, its equipment scaled for children across the full range of physical and sensory needs.
Equipment
Access and Inclusion
History and Cultural
Practical Info
Good to know
HistoryPlayground established: 2018.
Source: services1.arcgis.comHistoryThe 36-hectare Anderson Park occupies the former Napier Park Racing Club grounds in Greenmeadows, established in 1886. The racecourse was once home to Moifaa, the New Zealand thoroughbred who won the 1904 Grand National at Aintree — one of horse racing's great underdog stories. Racing ceased around 1960 and Napier City Council acquired the site in 1962. The current destination playground opened in July 2018 following a community-led master plan process developed from 2015 and construction beginning December 2017.
Source: napier.govt.nzCultureAnderson Park Playground was designed by Boffa Miskell in close partnership with a disabilities reference group, with the brief to create an all-abilities space where "people of all ages and abilities" could experience similar activities at varying challenge levels. The project came from a 2015 community master plan and involved hundreds of public submissions — including community suggestions for the playground name. The playground opened in July 2018 and the Napier 150th anniversary in November 2024 prompted further park improvements including a new cafe area and upgraded amenities.
Source: boffamiskell.co.nzOn siteEquipment includes flying fox, swings, water play, functional artwork with messages in braille & interactive elements (such as xylophone, musical bridge & drums), monkey bars, climbing frame, novelty slides, rotonet, basket swing, swings (including infant swing and you and me swing), bowl rocker, inground trampoline, rotonet, spinner, skatepark, splashpad, wheelchair seesaw rocker, swing, trampoline, and carouse., half basketball court, splash pad, large grassy area, half basketball court, skatepark.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteJunior-suitable items include basket swing, infant swing, you and me swing, inground tramp, musical play, water play, bowl rocker, flying fox, swings, water play, functional artwork with messages in braille & interactive elements (such as xylophone, musical bridge & drums), monkey bars, climbing frame, novelty slides, rotonet, basket swing, swings (including infant swing), bowl rocker, inground trampoline, rotonet, spinner, skatepark, splashpad, wheelchair seesaw rocker, swing, trampoline, and carouse., half basketball court.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteSpecialised equipment: a you-and-me swing.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteA 2024 upgrade added four new inclusive pieces: a wheelchair trampoline, inclusive carousel, inclusive seesaw, and wheelchair swing. The upgrade was delivered by Napier City Council in partnership with Playground Centre.
Source: playgroundcentre.comAmenitiesPlayground surface: artificial.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite amenities include public toilets, a drinking fountain, a barbecue, picnic tables, seating, a splash pad.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite size category: 4 Very large.
Source: services1.arcgis.com
The week ahead
Daytime high in °C · % = chance of rain · data from yr.no
Photos (36)
Spot a problem?
Spotted broken gear, a hazard, or something that needs a fix? Let Napier City know. They look after this park.