Main Street Playground

Katikati's town centre playground is the one with avocados on the ground: the artificial turf around its in-ground trampoline carries an avocado motif, a nod to the town's claim to be New Zealand's avocado capital.¹ It sits just off Main Road (State Highway 2) in the middle of Katikati, near the Arts Junction and the Western Bay Museum, which makes it an easy stop on the drive between Tauranga and Waihi.²

Equipment

The current gear went in during a 2021 renewal and includes the in-ground trampoline, climbing equipment, a basket swing and a percussion instrument.¹ It is a compact neighbourhood playground rather than a destination one, best suited to preschoolers and primary-age kids who need a run-around, and because the trampoline sits flush with the ground, even toddlers can climb on.

History

Promotions agency Katch Katikati pushed for the revamp, which replaced outdated equipment a little ahead of schedule. It was paid for from council renewal funding plus sponsorship from avocado exporter AVOCO, built by Hamilton firm Playground Creations, and opened by Mayor Garry Webber in July 2021.¹

Practical Info

The play area is set back from the traffic behind the Main Road buildings, under big established trees that give it plenty of shade, with the Uretara Stream running just beyond. One visitor found it a quiet lunch spot away from the bustle of the main street, with toilets close enough to watch one child in the playground while another uses them. Others call it clean and tidy, and handy for a picnic on a road trip. It is described as having good access for people with disabilities.² We could not confirm any fencing, and State Highway 2 is close, so keep runners in sight.

The visitor information centre at the Arts Junction is open seven days.³ For a longer outing, walk to Diggelman Park, with its exercise equipment and replica kauri dam water feature, or follow the Haiku Pathway along the Uretara Stream, where poems are carved into boulders.²⁴ Gilfillan Dr Rec Reserve, under a kilometre away, is another option nearby.