Park description
Campbell Park Playground is the dedicated children play space within Campbell Park, the central recreation ground of Paekākāriki on the Kapiti Coast, about 45 minutes north of Wellington by car or a direct Metlink train. The park sits between Wellington Road and The Parade, with Kapiti Island visible across the water from the terraced eastern hill. Pohutukawa trees line the perimeter and give natural shade across parts of the playground. The Parade and Kawaupaku Beach are directly across the road, making a post-play swim a very short walk.
Playground description
The playground is built as one large interconnected structure with a clear two-zone layout. The toddler side has small slides, ladders, tunnels, and a fire engine module. The older side steps up the challenge with a wobble bridge, rock climbing walls, monkey bars, climbing and balance ropes, and a wavy slide. Swings, a seesaw, and a ball shoot sit alongside. A long entry slide drops in from Wellington Road, rated by regulars as the correct way to arrive. Communication boards in English and Maori are on site.
A skatepark with ramps and a rail sits adjacent to the playground, extending the offer for older children and teenagers. Two sets of public toilets are on site. A water fountain is at the main playground and on the exterior of Memorial Hall on The Parade.
Peak hours
Weekend mornings are busiest, especially in summer when families pair the playground with a beach session across The Parade. Junior and senior football on winter Saturdays brings sideline activity to the park. School holidays see busy mid-afternoons. The site is exposed to the coastal southerly, so calm clear days are the draw.
History
The playground was revamped in 2020 with a more colourful design. Campbell Park was one of four sites selected in a 2019 KCDC community vote for a design refresh. A further upgrade alongside Mazengarb Reserve, Waimeha Domain, and Pharazyn Avenue was announced by KCDC.
Local context
A short walk from Paekākāriki train station and the cafes on The Parade, the park is genuinely car-free-accessible. Pingau Street parking sits closest to the playground for drivers. No food is immediately at the playground; cafes are a short walk on Beach Road. Queen Elizabeth Park is a few minutes north, making this a practical first stop on a longer Kapiti day.
