Te Whariki Playground

Te Whariki Playground, its name meaning the woven floor mat and symbolising a place for all to gather, is a large community playground within the Ngāi Tahu Property Te Whariki subdivision in Lincoln, on Southfield Drive at the corner of Vernon Drive. It was built with an inclusive design so wheelchair users and toddlers can play side by side.

Equipment

The playground is anchored by an Angled Hex Tower 8500 with a tube slide and a high rope climber described as a first for the Canterbury region, alongside a Pukeko Perch climbing structure with nets, ladders, and ropes. Swings include an infant swing, a basket swing, and spring toys, and an interactive bridge has six built in bells for children to play. Artificial safety surfacing covers the play zone.

Access and Inclusion

The Cyclone accessibility carousel is built for wheelchair users and parents with prams, with wide, flat paths connecting it to the rest of the playground. A learn to ride bike track and a half basketball court sit within the reserve, along with walking tracks, picnic tables, and seating.

History and Cultural

The development takes its name and design philosophy from the lakebed of Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere), whose wetland community once extended to Lincoln's doorstep. It follows the Ngāi Tahu Property principle Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei: for us and our children after us, reflected in the playground's bicultural, inclusive design.