Highland Park Dr Playground

Highland Park Dr Playground is a medium-sized neighbourhood playground inside Highland Park reserve in Botany Downs, East Auckland, built around a multi-play structure, swings with a dedicated infant seat, a spring loaded see-saw and a slide. The infant swing, assisted use slide and see-saw all suit toddlers, while the multi-play structure gives older children more to do, so the site covers a wide age range in one visit.

Equipment

The surface is bark rather than rubber matting, so expect a softer natural fall surface that can hold moisture after rain. Seating is provided nearby.

History and Cultural

Highland Park and the wider Botany Downs area developed through Auckland's eastern suburban expansion in the 1980s and 1990s, part of the Howick ward. The playground itself was already established by 2008, making it one of the older fixtures in this part of East Auckland. The ward's roots run deeper too: Howick was settled in 1847 by fencible soldiers of the British Army, a history marked a few kilometres away at Howick Historical Village.

Practical Info

The reserve is reached from both Highland Park Drive and Cromdale Avenue, giving two easy ways to walk or drive in. Only on street parking is available, so arrive early on busy weekends. There's no shade directly over the play equipment, though established trees elsewhere in the reserve shade the seating area, so pack a hat for midday visits. The site is smokefree under Auckland Council policy.