Ila Place, Hairini, Tauranga 3112
Description explicitly names a 'dedicated fenced area' for toddlers holding smaller swings, slide, tunnel and see-saw, separate from the double flying fox, timber climbing frame and basketball court. Renovated 2023, themed with tuna/matuku wetland motifs on soft safety surfacing. Sits adjacent to a state highway (real road risk) but reviewer says it's 'well shielded from the road' and the toddler zone is fenced. Shade sails, toilets, BBQ.
A paved walkway runs alongside the park and reviewers describe smooth paths for skating and biking plus a picnic table with a wheelchair gap, but the play surfacing material and accessible parking are not confirmed in the source text.
Te Papa Tākaro o Tongaparaoa, also known as Ila Park, is a themed playground in Hairini, Tauranga that weaves eel and wetland bird motifs through its equipment, suiting toddlers in a dedicated fenced area through to older children on the flying fox and cycle path.
HistoryOpened within the last 5 years (as of the McNoe 2026 survey).
Source: services1.arcgis.comHistoryTe Papa Tākaro o Tongaparaoa - Ila Park reopened after its redevelopment on Saturday 25 March, with pōhiri by mana whenua and waiata performed by Maungatapu Primary School Pūwhariki children.
Source: sunlive.co.nzCultureLocal hapū Ngāi Te Ahi, Ngāti Hē, and Ngāti Ruahine collaborated on Ila Park's cultural design, including a safety surface patterned with inanga (small fish) scales, entrance boulders representing Mauao, and a roughly 2-metre hinaki (eel trap) art installation.
Source: tauranga.govt.nzOn siteEquipment includes double flying fox, multi-play structure (with tubular slide), swings (with basket swing), see-saw, balance logs, slide, climbing net, infant swing.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteTe Papa Tākaro o Tongaparaoa - Ila Park's playground features a double flying fox, a 3x3 basketball court, a tube slide with a tuna (eel) design, a swing set decorated with matuku (bittern) imagery, and a timber climbing frame.
Source: tauranga.govt.nzOn siteA dedicated younger-children's area at Ila Park has smaller swings, a slide, a tunnel, and a see-saw.
Source: tauranga.govt.nzAmenitiesPlayground surface: artificial.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite amenities include public toilets, a barbecue, picnic tables, seating.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite size category: 2 Medium.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesIla Park includes a learn-to-ride cycle path, shade sails, a toilet block, bike racks, and a barbecue.
Source: tauranga.govt.nzDaytime high in °C · % = chance of rain · data from yr.no
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