Blake Park

Blake Park's play area sits inside the sprawling Mount Maunganui reserve best known for Bay Oval, but the playground itself is a compact, family focused space built around a single climbing structure with genuine inclusion features.

Equipment

A multi-play climbing structure with an attached slide anchors the play area, alongside swings including a dedicated infant swing, a see-saw, a carousel, a rotonet and a solo spinner. An accessibility swing stands out among these, giving children with mobility or sensory needs a way to join in rather than watch from the sidelines.

Access and Inclusion

The accessibility swing is the standout inclusion feature here, still uncommon at many NZ playgrounds. An accessible entrance keeps the walk in short, and the ground surface is artificial rather than loose fill, noticeably firmer underfoot and easier to cross for wheelchairs, prams and walking frames, though it will feel harder if a child takes a tumble. A shade sail sits over the slide, offering some relief on hot afternoons, though coverage across the wider area is limited.

History and Cultural

This land was set aside as a recreation reserve in 1925, named after the government surveyor who mapped Mount Maunganui.

Practical Info

Sun cover is limited to the shade sail over the slide plus some nearby tree shade; seating gets a little shade but picnic tables sit in full sun, so pack a hat. Parking is on street, angle style, along the surrounding roads. Tauranga City Council runs a smokefree policy across its green spaces, this park included, and dogs are permitted on site.