Barry Curtis Park

A landmark play tower rises at the centre of Barry Curtis Park, its shape echoing a pūhara, the traditional watch tower Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki tūpuna once used to keep watch over nearby pā, making this Flat Bush's most distinctive destination playground for a full range of ages.

Equipment

The multi play climbing structure with slide sits alongside swings with both infant and basket bays, a see saw and a half basketball court. A play space built from a repurposed shipping container adds climbing, balance and slide challenges aimed specifically at accessible, inclusive play, and sensory elements are woven through the wider design.

Access and Inclusion

An accessible entrance and ramps lead in from the adjacent car park, giving wheelchair users and prams a direct route to the equipment, and several accessible parking spaces sit close to the main play area entry. The shipping container structure and sensory play elements extend that inclusive design well beyond the entrance itself.

History and Cultural

The playground was co designed with mana whenua Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, and Otara Creek, which flows through the park, was historically a mahinga kai, a food gathering place, where Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki gathered tuna and kōura. The park takes its name from Sir Barry Curtis, Manukau City's longest serving mayor until 2007, who passed away in early 2026.

Practical Info

A recent upgrade of the Wetlands Building beside the playground added accessible toilets, an extended pavilion, fresh landscaping and upgraded seating. Off Chapel Road, the car park includes accessible parking. There is little shade directly over the equipment yet, though newly planted trees should fill in over time, so an early morning or late afternoon visit suits summer best.