Founders playground redevelopment delayed
A new playground for Founders Park is still on the cards, but it has been delayed. Photo: Kate Russell.
The proposed new playground at Founders Park has been delayed due to rising construction and equipment costs, according to Nelson City Council.
Work was expected to begin in February this year, with the existing play equipment by the cafe to be replaced with a range of new accessible equipment. The project also included some drainage upgrades and a new accessible surface covering to replace the bark.
Last year, the council allocated $200k from funds raised by the Founder’s Book Fair for the project, however, Andrew White, group manager community and recreation, says due to rising costs they have had to take another look at the project.
“To ensure costs remain manageable for the Friends of Founders Trust and ratepayers, the new playground will be developed and installed progressively over several years.”
Work to prepare the ground so it can safely accommodate modern playground equipment will now start in the next financial year.
Despite the delay, Andrew says there is still some good news for users of the playground.
“We don’t want children to have to wait, so in the meantime, we’ve committed to repairing some of the existing equipment now and installing some new equipment by next summer.”