Community
- New Riverton Aparima playground and pump track enhance Taramea Bay redevelopment efforts.
- Community feedback shaped the design, ensuring inclusivity and long-term usability.
- Future stages include youth zones, planting, and improved infrastructure for Taramea Bay.
The Riverton Aparima playground has officially opened to the public, marking the latest milestone in the redevelopment of Taramea Bay. This follows the successful opening of a new amenities block in September. Adding to the excitement, the Tunatuna Murihiku Pop-up Pump Track has been installed nearby for the summer months, providing an exciting temporary attraction for visitors and locals alike.
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Southland District Council's community partnership leader Stella O’Connor shared her enthusiasm for the development. “We are excited to have Tunatuna in place at the same time as the playground being ready to use. We’ll be able to track the use of the pump track for further insights when we look into the next stage of development aimed at older children/youth age group.”
Cycling Southland’s General Manager, Nic Keast, was equally thrilled about the collaboration. “We are thrilled that Tunatuna will become part of the Riverton landscape over the summer months. This has been a wonderful opportunity to work collaboratively with Southland District Council to bring the track as part of an activation of a brand-new playground for Riverton and surrounding district to enjoy.”
The final playground design was shaped by community input, with children and parents from Riverton Primary School reviewing the plans. Similar consultations will take place for future stages to ensure the development reflects the desires of the community, particularly older children.
Oraka Aparima Community Board chair Michael Weusten recently visited the site and praised the upgrades: “Taramea Bay's new temporary pump track, it looks awesome, young and old will surely enjoy over the next three months. A great new amenity to compliment the just completed playground. Well done all.”
Local group Menshed and volunteers from Riverton are also restoring the area’s old macrocarpa log artwork. Council project manager Rowena Owens said the staged development approach ensures the community remains involved. “It’s great to see the concept on paper come to life, and this is only the beginning. Doing staged approaches means that the community can have their say through consultation to further develop this area.”
Future plans include a youth-oriented zone, riparian planting, improved track connections, and a carpark upgrade. An official opening event is being planned for the coming months.