Mayor opens new playground at Minogue Park
The Lake Rotokaeo playground in Hamilton drew the crowds for its opening.
With stilt walkers and balloons paraded in the air, the crowds poured in to see the new destination playground in Hamilton.
To the delight of many children, the opening ceremony for the Lake Rotokaeo playground at Minogue Park was held on August 17.
The official opening ceremony was performed by Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker. “When we design these destination playgrounds we think about, what is the history of this place and what used to happen here to kind of make a theme,” Hardaker said.
There use to be an old speedway track located at Minogue Park. Hardaker asked the crowd if anyone remembered coming to the speedway, to which many hands were held high, including that of the mayor herself.
She said they’ve tried to replicate the speed with the two flying foxes to race against each other, as well as the bike and scooter track that surrounds the playground.
The playground includes slides, tunnels located in grassy hills, climbing obstacles and a water feature. It is located in-between the BMX track and netball courts.
Hamilton BMX club member Warren Boggiss said the playground looks great and he’s sure it will get a lot of use. He said he hopes it gets looked after and not vandalised.
Waikato mother Nikki Anderson attended with her daughter Maddison, 4, who enjoyed the mini trampolines and the balloons the best. Nikki said she thought the new park is “fantastic” and was pleased to enjoy a coffee from the coffee cart at the opening ceremony.
After Mayor Julie Hardaker’s speech, she led a tour of the playground while a blessing was performed. Once she cut the ribbon and declared the playground officially open, children and adults enjoyed the excitement, including council members who raced each other down the slides and on the flying foxes.
Hardaker said the playground is a fantastic asset to the city for young and old. “We are really looking forward to these young ones, the people of the future of our city coming here and spending great days and having lots of fun and building lots of memories.”
