Memorial Park closed for three weeks due to unsafe entry

Memorial Park in Kaikohe will be closed to the public from Saturday 19 November for three weeks following reports of people illegally entering the construction site while work to upgrade the park and build a new playground is underway.

Health and safety precautions already in place have reportedly been breached by tamariki entering the site. Most of the park will now be closed to ensure community safety while the park continues to be upgraded. Only the basketball court will remain open.

Footpath contractors will start the demolition and removal of the existing footpaths on Monday 21 November. Various civil works will take place over the next month as the new playground is constructed and the public are asked to stay clear of the construction site during this time.  

The $750,000 playground project includes a wheelchair accessible merry-go-round, in-ground trampolines, slides, a sand play area, swings, and an eagles’ lair rope climbing tower. New park entrances, upgraded footpaths, a learn-to-ride and balance bike track, fully accessible amenity block and a wide loop track linking all areas are also part of the revamp.

The new playground is still on track to open by mid-December but only if equipment is not damaged by those illegally entering the site.