Locations Auckland Wide
Auckland Council / Auckland Airport
2014

Playspace Design
Bespoke have been involved in the concept designs for a series of playspaces across Auckland.  The a-typical playspace design Auckland wide consisted of a series of 'off the shelf' equipment within a dedicated area of softfall.  This often had resulted in an overuse of softfall material and high costs in the maintenance of this.  The new Playspace designs step away from this a-typical design and aim to spread-out the play equipment and incorporate it into the landscape, providing different and custom play pieces combined with the standard proprietary items. A selection of the playgrounds include:

Sandspit Reserve, Waiuku
Sandspit Reserve seeks to reinforce the notion of a seaside playspace through the incorporation of sand, a sand factory, sturdy planting, and a custom designed wooden jetty complete with climbing wall. A grass mound has been incorporated to add some relief to a typically flat terrain, providing opportunity for a seated edge and tube slide. An existing Macrocarpa on site has been unified with the playspace through drawing the edge of the playspace under the canopy and installing a basket swing from the branches. Proprietary spinning and rocking items themed with the beach are included as well as wooden edging that provides for multiple play opportunities. 

Macleans Park Playspace, Howick
The action of flight and flow are the two themes that underpin the concept design of Macleans Park Playspace. Situated on a natural ridgeline the playspace will feature a double flying fox and  mountain  bike trail with earth and wooden berms. Integrated into this is a series of ‘take off’ and ‘hangout’ zones that provide opportunity for seating and provision of fitness play equipment.

Bledisloe Playspace, Pukekohe
Bledisloe playspace is a natural playspace  themed around the stages in the lifecycle of a tree. From  seed dispersal, new life, soaring trees and the fallen giant, different equipment and sculpture are used to emphasise this story. Throughout the playspace there are opportunities for climbing and balance, imagination and unprogrammed space, tactile awareness, social opportunities, sculptural landforms, natural materials, retreat and resting and problem solving.

Walter Massey Park Playspace, Mangere
Walter Massey Park Playspace incorporates activities and play that would be associated with the sports grounds at Walter Massey Park. In a lineal design the playspace features swings, a running track, scooter ramps, weaving poles, a multiplay element for toddlers. An earthform provides protection from the busy road whilst still maintaining strong visibility into the playspace. Materials where chosen for their sturdiness against vandalism and to add a strong element of colour in the playspace.

Kiwi Esplanade Playspace, Mangere
Kiwi Esplanade Playspace emphasises the importance of the viewshafts and site connections that can be achieved from the climbing view tower to be retained on site. Each aspect of the playspace is themed around these views. Artificial turf mounds represent the formation of Maungawhau / One Tree Hill with small volcanic cones and central crater.  The view to portage road in emphasises through seating and a play structure, The view to Mangere Mountain / Te Pane O Mataoho is a single earth mound with a slide, the view to the Manakau heads is a thinning in the vegetation. Proprietary play  items, such as swings and springer’s are incorporated along with  sittable and interactive edging. Existing play equipment that is in good condition is also incorporated into the design.

Altitude Playspace, Auckland International Airport
The altitude Playspace at The District Auckland Airport is a premier new playspace design. Featuring a sculpted plane that provides opportunities for climbing, seating and imaginative play. The feature element of the playspace is a 4 metre tail that has a climbing net, climbing wall, slide and viewing platform. The plane itself will be grounded into the landscape through the incorporation of a Jetstream path, swing, flying fox, spinner play equipment and planted ‘cloud’ berms.