Havelock North Village Green

Havelock North Village Green in the middle of the township centres on a large, varied playground, from a full water play feature to a climbing net and climbing structure, that draws families well beyond a quick stop. The green also holds a skate park and sits right next to the public swimming pool, so it works as an all afternoon outing rather than a five minute play break. Dogs are welcome on the surrounding lawns too, making it as much a village meeting point as a play stop.

Equipment

The large play area mixes a small carousel, junior slide, spring rocker and double see-saw with the water play feature, swings including an infant swing, a climbing net and climbing structure, a solo spinner, spinning disk and musical play. A skate park sits within the wider green.

Access and Inclusion

On street angle parking is available nearby, including dedicated mobility parking. A fenced junior area keeps the youngest visitors separate from the larger equipment, and the site sits right next to the public swimming pool, where an entry fee applies.

History and Cultural

The reserve was first registered as the Havelock Recreation Ground in 1888, and from the 1930s it was mostly used for rugby and cricket, with the Eric Phillips designed pavilion opening in 1938. During the 2017 redevelopment that pavilion was relocated onto the playground site and renamed the Mackersey Family Pavilion after the Mackersey family's contribution toward the move. The Green has held Green Flag Award status since 2019, one of only a handful of Hawke's Bay sites to hold it.

Practical Info

Public toilets, picnic tables, seating and a paddling pool are all on site. Sail structures cover part of the play equipment and the picnic tables and seating at midday in summer. Council's smokefree policy applies across the green.