Jubilee Park

Te Puke's town-centre playground sits on Jubilee Park, next to New World on Commerce Lane, so a run-around fits neatly onto the weekly shop. Alongside the play equipment there is a big open field, a skatepark and a basketball half-court, which makes it one of the few spots in this Western Bay of Plenty town where toddlers and teenagers can share an afternoon.

Equipment

The centrepiece is a 6 m Eagles Nest climbing tower whose round nests were designed to suggest a kiwifruit vine, with a metal seesaw and a timber fitness unit alongside.¹ Parents also mention swings, a merry-go-round and a slide that suit little ones. A second play zone beside the skatepark has a timber-post climbing frame with a hanging chain bridge, a cargo net, a blue climbing panel and a row of wooden stepping posts over loose chip, better for confident climbers of five and up.

The 626 m2 skatepark opened in 2017 and joins the park's bleachers and half-court. Local skaters helped design it, and the opening programme included BMX, skateboard and scooter competitions.² One reviewer found the play area on the small side, but between them the zones cover a wide age range.

History and Cultural

The playground came out of stage two of the Te Puke Town Centre plan, approved in late 2011 at $945,000 along with a sound shell and a cultural courtyard, and linked to the main street by extending the Heritage Walkway.³

Practical Info

Toilets are at the Commerce Lane parking area, beside the Hera Memorial where the 4 km Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway starts and finishes. The pathway welcomes bikes and dogs on a leash.⁴ The loop passes Lawrence Oliver Park and follows the Waiari Stream, a good leg-stretch for older kids on bikes after playtime.⁵ Old trees shade the picnic area, where there are tables and a barbecue, but the play zones sit mostly in the open. The playground is not fully fenced and opens onto the field and the car park. Gordon Street Reserve is about 300 m away if you want a quieter second stop.