Smallbone Park

Smallbone Park's playground sits at the edge of one of Rotorua's most historically active cricket grounds, on Devon Street West in Hillcrest, a handy stop for families at a match or passing through the neighbourhood.

Equipment

The playground has a multi play structure with both a tubular slide and a standard slide, a see saw, balance logs, a separate climbing frame, and swings including an infant bay, set on bark surfacing. A large established tree shades part of the equipment and some of the seating.

Access and Inclusion

On site facilities include toilets, a drinking fountain, a barbecue and picnic tables, with off street parking from Devon Street West.

History and Cultural

The ground has hosted cricket since 1938, when Bay of Plenty played Waiapu in the first recorded match. First class cricket arrived in the 1968 to 69 Plunket Shield season, and the venue went on to host 17 first class matches over the following three decades, plus a Women's One Day International between Australia and India in February 1995. Rotorua Cricket Association and the local Hockey Association still use the grounds.

Practical Info

The playground dates to 2012 by council record, and Rotorua Lakes Council's smokefree green spaces policy applies.