New play spaces for Upper Harbour families

Collins Park - Greenhithe

Collins Park has been refreshed with younger children in mind, featuring new accessible play equipment, upgraded pathways, and shaded seating. The playground sits beside flat open space perfect for scootering, picnics, or kicking a ball.

New equipment includes a multi-play module with climbing elements, toddler-friendly steps, a slide and interactive panels. There's also a see-saw springer, basket swing, toddler swing, and a low climbing frame that encourages balance and coordination. Wet-pour rubber surfacing and accessible pathways help support safer, more inclusive play for all tamariki. Located next to the skatepark and sports fields, it's a great spot for relaxed, family-friendly fun.

New fitness equipment is also being installed near the skatepark to cater for older kids and adults. A new court is being planned to meet the community's needs before it gets the green light to be built.

Great for: Preschoolers and early primary-aged tamariki
Find it: 16/20 Greenhithe Road, Greenhithe.

Ponderosa Reserve - Unsworth Heights

Ponderosa Reserve now offers a wide variety of play for all ages. Highlights include a wooden truck for imaginative play, monkey bars, slides, a wobbly bridge, tunnel, hurricane swing and an accessible in-ground carousel.

A grassy area with a soccer goal wall encourages active play, while bark and soft surfacing support both safety and accessibility.

Great for: Toddlers to tweens
Find it: Access via East Coast Road or nearby walkways in Unsworth Heights.

Devonshire Reserve - Albany

Devonshire Reserve has been upgraded to cater for preschoolers and primary-aged children. A new junior bike loop links to the surrounding footpaths, while other features include a baby swing, springer, and junior play module with a tunnel, slide, climbing elements, sand play, and a shop front.

An adventure module adds extra challenge with a net and spinner. Two bay swings offer basket and belt options, and a nature play trail includes timber steppers, logs, and a secret walkway with talk tubes to spark imaginative play.

New seating has been added beneath shade trees, and planting will follow in the next season. Drainage upgrades make the space usable year-round.

Great for: Preschoolers to primary-aged tamariki
Find it: Devonshire Road, Albany (access from Meadowood Drive or Devonshire Road).

Herald Island Domain - Herald Island

Beside the Herald Island Community Hall, this upgraded playground offers a peaceful, coastal setting for all ages. Play features include baby, belt, and basket swings, a wheelchair-accessible carousel, and junior and senior play modules with slides, climbing walls, bridges, nets, and tunnels.

A revamped sandpit with a clear roof and windows provides a bright, inviting space for digging and imaginative play.

The site also includes an outdoor table tennis table, basketball half-court, grassy areas, murals, benches, a drinking fountain, and a public toilet ideal for relaxed afternoons or weekend picnics.

Great for: Families seeking peaceful, community-focused outdoor play
Find it: Next to the Herald Island Community Hall, entry via Ferry Parade.

Discover your nearest park or playground using the search tool on the Auckland Council website.

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