4 December, 2019

Neglected Sunnynook playground a hazard

A Sunnynook Park playground that has been due for renewal for a decade is becoming a hazard, according to a residents group.

The playground, outside Sunnynook Community Centre and its early learning centre, is mostly boarded up, with a remaining bridge in a poor state and dangerously low levels of bark, says Sunnynook Community Association chair and centre board member Peter McNee.

“This is the busiest community centre on the Shore. It’s extremely disappointing the length of time it is taking to get this playground renewed,” he says.

“Nine years ago, before the super city was formed, the playground was up for renewal and money was available. We are still waiting.”

The community centre has around 60 children attending its school holiday programmes, plus there are several daycare and early learning centres nearby.

The last Devonport-Takapuna Local Board funded a design by landscape firm Isthmus for a small civic area outside the community centre, including a new playground, with an estimated cost of $300,000.

However, when McNee has pleaded with the council to build the playground, he has been told there is no budget.

He plans to lobby the new local board to include the playground in its three-year plan.

Another critical project for the association is lighting for a popular path cutting through trees in Sunnynook Park, which McNee says is dark and dangerous at night.

Auckland Council head of project delivery John Schermbrucker confirms the community centre area is being considered for a renewal.

“Although the playground alone was initially due for renewal, it became part of the wider development project which would be delivered at the same time.”

“One of the reasons for consolidation was to ensure both the renewal and development work well with each other. For example, part of the development is likely to include more hard surfacing in the outdoor areas, and the play space would need to complement that.”

“Consultation on the design of the playspace and the development of the surrounding area has taken place with the key community members, including Sunnynook Community Hall management, Sunnynook Community Association and the rugby league club. A budget of $280,000 is estimated for the playground renewal component.

“The project is scheduled for the 2022 work programme. It is yet to be approved by the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board work programme, which will determine when it will be delivered.”

This article originally appeared in the 6 December of the Rangitoto Observer.