Swathi R.
from Google18 May 2026
Playground
Joy Cowley Children's Playground
2 Clifford Square, Featherston 5710
Best suited to
All ages0–12+
Why these ages?
Fully-fenced Featherston community playground with a dedicated fenced junior section (own multi-play, tractor, basket swing, carousel, spring toys) and a senior zone with flying fox, tube slide and climbing net. 2025 refurb added soft-pour surface. Toilets, drinking fountain, picnic tables on site. Ideal parent-relax spot for toddlers with older siblings.
Accessibility
Partial access+ Poured rubber surface (firm for wheels)
Access notes
The description states a 2025 refurbishment introduced a soft pour surface across the play area and names improved accessibility as a stated goal. Accessible parking, a step free path and an accessible toilet are not specifically confirmed.
What's here
Climbing frameFencedFlying foxParkingPicnic tablesSeesawShadeSlideSpring rockerSwingsToddler areaToiletsSign in to add
The Joy Cowley Children's Playground in Featherston is a large, fully fenced playground built for a wide age range, with a separate toddler area and a mix of climbing, spinning and sliding equipment for older children. A 2025 refurbishment introduced a soft pour surface, replaced ageing structures and relocated the flying fox, with the work so far concentrated on the area closest to Tait Crescent.
Equipment
Access and Inclusion
History and Cultural
Practical Info
Good to know
HistoryPlayground established: 2015.
Source: services1.arcgis.comHistorySouth Wairarapa District Council unanimously agreed on 27 September 2023 to name the Featherston children's playground the Joy Cowley Children's Playground, following a recommendation from the Featherston Community Board. An online survey drew 129 responses, 125 in favour, with more than 80 from current Featherston residents. The playground was formally blessed on 8 December 2023, with a crowd of more than 220 including about 140 children from South Featherston, Featherston, and St Theresa's schools. The blessing was conducted by Matua Wiremu Dawson; school children sang waiata and performed a haka.
Source: rnz.co.nzCultureJoy Cowley is one of New Zealand's most accomplished children's authors, having sold more than 40 million copies of her books worldwide in English, Māori and over two dozen other languages. She was made a Member of the Order of New Zealand in 2018 and received the Arts Foundation of New Zealand Icon Award in 2020 — an honour limited to 20 living people. She was a resident of Featherston for 20 years and patron of the Featherston Booktown Festival before relocating to Dunedin in late 2023. At the blessing she said: "Within me there has always been a child, and that child has never aged. And I believe now that child is in this playground."
Source: rnz.co.nzOn siteEquipment includes flying fox, tractor, junior multi-play structure (with slide), swings, senior multi-play structure (with tubular slide), climbing net, spring toy, see-saw, turn spike carousel, basket swing, maypole.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteJunior-suitable items include junior multi-play structure (with slide), turn spike carousel, basket swing, spring toy, tractor fenced.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteSpecialised equipment: a carousel.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteA 2025 refurbishment (announced May 2025 by SWDC) themed the playground around Joy Cowley's books. The work addressed health and safety issues including removal and replacement of unsafe structures, relocation of the flying fox, introduction of a soft pour surface, and improved accessibility. The refurbishment covers the area of the playground closest to Tait Crescent, with the remainder to be upgraded in coming years. The playground also features a fully fenced toddler area and equipment for older children.
Source: swdc.govt.nzAmenitiesPlayground surface: bark.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite amenities include public toilets, a drinking fountain, picnic tables, seating, a fenced junior area.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite size category: 3 Large.
Source: services1.arcgis.com
Forecast
The week ahead
Daytime high in °C · % = chance of rain · data from yr.no
Photos (2)
From the crew
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