Childrens Garden to be developed in Parana Park

Hamilton’s Parana Park is set to be transformed into a stimulating and exciting Children’s Garden, following an announcement today by the Potter Masonic Trust that it is contributing $200,000 towards the development.

This contribution will go towards Stage One of the project, to be known as the Potter Children’s Garden, with Council now seeking the remaining funding required from other sources.

Aimed at creating a public recreation area for children that combines playscapes, culture and history into a unique experience and key attraction, the Parana Park Children’s Garden will carry the themes of the Kowhai, Tui and Waikato River – all of which hold historical value to Hamilton.

Throughout the garden Kowhai, Tui and water will be woven together by paths through various activity nodes which feature different play items and plants. The elements within the garden will include a wide range of sensory experiences such as water, plants, textures, sounds, smells and movement.

The development will also see the existing gully forest to the east of Parana Park enhanced so fingers encroach into the playscape, with Kowhai trees planted along with other plants in order to help attract birds into the garden.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker said Council is very grateful to have the support of the Potter Masonic Trust for this significant project.

“The Potter Children’s Garden will provide a unique experience for children, and it is exciting that we are able to work with Potter Masonic Trust to develop this space for the benefit of families in Hamilton.”

Parana Park was selected as the preferred location for this project due to its close proximity to the central business district and the desire of benefactor George Parr, who donated the park to Hamilton City Council in 1929, to see it utilised as a space in which children could play.