Shoesmith Reserve

Shoesmith Reserve playground in Warkworth, north Auckland, is a destination play space built around a play tower with slides, a training circuit of trampolines, a tightrope, a rotating beam, a ninja wall, and climbing nets. Inclusive touches include wheelchair accessible swings and trampolines, making it one of the more accessible playgrounds on this stretch of the coast.

Equipment

Alongside the play tower and training circuit, the playground has swings, a spinner, a rocker, and a carousel. A flying fox, part of the site since 2014, remains one of the highlights, and there is no shade directly over it. The reserve spans about eight acres with picnic areas and scenic trails beyond the play space itself.

History and Cultural

The playground was designed collaboratively with 96 local students and Ngāti Manuhiri, and its story centres on Tāne battling the insect world to retrieve three baskets of sacred knowledge from the heavens. A depiction of Tāne appears on the climbing tower, with insects worked into the surface design.

Access and Inclusion

Wheelchair accessible swings, trampolines, and a carousel are built into the design. Toilets, seating, and accessible parking are available, and a concrete path for pedestrians, bikes, and scooters connects through to the surrounding reserve. The playground is right next to Te Kura o Puhinui, Warkworth School.