Love this place, we visit often with our toddler. The reserve features a stream with the most eels we've ever seen in one spot, there are trains regularly passing by which my toddler loves to point and wave at, a big playground for kids of all ages, beautiful trees, a big grassy clearing, sometimes there are a few ducks, shade sails with picnic tables underneath, two bridges to cross the stream and a short nature track to enjoy. It is disappointing to see people feeding the eels and allowing their dogs off lead on the tracks though. Some of those eels could be up to 60 years old or even older and I've seen multiple people feed them bread which is terrible for them and the overall health of the stream. Please also do be careful with your children there as people like to let their untrained, out of control dogs roam free despite the obvious signs stating that the dogs should be on lead in the reserve.
Willowbank Reserve and Play Area
16 Boscobel Lane, Tawa, Wellington 5028
Access notes
The play zone is bark surfaced which is a barrier for wheelchair users. Toilets and off street parking are on site but the source text does not specify accessible parking bays or a firm path to the equipment.
What's here
Willowbank Reserve and Play Area is a small neighbourhood playground in Tawa, on the northern edge of Wellington city, built around a multi-play structure with slides, swings and a see-saw. It suits toddlers and younger primary-school children, with a bark surfaced play zone sized for a quick local visit rather than a long day out.
Good to know
HistoryPlayground established: pre 2020.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteEquipment includes multi-play structure (with slides), swings, see-saw.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteJunior-suitable items include slide (suitable for young child with assistance).
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteThe renewed play area design adds a Dancing Snake swing frame with five seats (infant, two belt, one all-abilities inclusive seat, and a basket seat), plus monkey bars linking to the tower, sensory panels and musical chimes.
Source: letstalk.wellington.govt.nzAmenitiesPlayground surface: bark.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite amenities include public toilets, a drinking fountain, picnic tables, seating.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite size category: 1 Small.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesPublic toilets nearby.
Source: opendata-wcc.opendata.arcgis.comAmenitiesDrinking fountain nearby.
Source: opendata-wcc.opendata.arcgis.comHandy to knowShade at midday in summer: No shade for play equipment. Shade sails for nearby picnic tables. Tree shade for some seating.
Source: services1.arcgis.com
The week ahead
Daytime high in °C · % = chance of rain · data from yr.no
Photos (4)
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Visits
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