Published: 11 November 2024
A group of five Lower Hutt youngsters, with a combined age of 29, were amongst those who provided feedback on what they think should be included in a revamped Moerā Reserve.
26 submissions were received by Council when public feedback closed on 27 October.
These insights will be used to help design improvements to the existing playground, pedestrian and vehicle access, community garden and overall landscape. More details can be seen here.
The park is next to the site of the new Moerā Neighbourhood Hub which will open in early 2025.
Deputy Mayor Tui Lewis says listening to community feedback ensures the park design reflects the needs of those who will use it.
“Our tamariki are at the heart of this project. By taking their views on board, we’re creating a space that they and their whānau will enjoy and take pride in for years to come.”
Amongst those who provided ideas for the park was 8-year-old Nadia Beban. The Moerā local was inspired to give her views after talking with her family.
Nadia ranked what she considered would be the most important inclusions in the new reserve and playground. Top of her list, with 10 out of 10 rankings, were:
*Monkey bars – all kinds
*A mural painted on the outside of the public toilets by local kids
*Seating for family and friends to meet
*A table tennis court
*A giant hamster wheel
But she was most enthusiastic about having an obstacle course for tamariki.
“I don’t know what teenagers want but I reckon they’d enjoy an obstacle course that is challenging. It would help kids of all ages become more agile and confident.”
She was also adamant that there had to be more plants.
“I’d like to see fruit trees, blueberries and plums.”
While Nadia loves meeting and playing with her friends at the current Moerā Reserve, she recognises it’s in need of improvement.
“I would give the current park 5 out of 10.”
Nadia’s ideas to upgrade the reserve came on the back of impressive research which saw her check out the facilities at Randwick, Korokoro and Maungaraki schools, and playgrounds at Waterloo, Avalon Park and Trentham.
Meanwhile, brothers Arley, Bodhi and Leo, and friend Miles provided their feedback through the medium of Lego. Treehouses and forts proved to be a consistent inspiration from this energetic foursome.
All feedback will be reviewed and used to inform the design of Moerā Reserve.
Nadia's rankings
10/10
Monkey Bars – all kinds
A mural painted on the outside of the public toilets by local kids
Seating for family and friends to meet
A table tennis court
An obstacle course
Giant hamster wheel
9/10
Basket swing
More plants
Drinking fountain
8/10
Small tunnel slide
See-saw
Basketball hoop
6/10
Floor trampoline
5/10
Traffic sign scooter park
4/10
Flying fox
Stepping stones
Car parking