We’re incredibly proud to celebrate two projects recognised at the 2026 Recreation Aotearoa | Te Whai Oranga Parks Awards, alongside our project partners and wider delivery teams.
At this year’s awards, Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush, Auckland was named the winner of the Playspace of the Year (over $500,000) category, while Destination Kāwaroa in New Plymouth received a Merit Award in the same category.
These awards recognise outstanding public spaces that create meaningful experiences for communities through innovative design, inclusivity, collaboration and long-term play value.
Barry Curtis Park – Playspace of the Year Winner
Located in Flat Bush, Auckland, Barry Curtis Park has become one of New Zealand’s standout destination playgrounds, designed to bring people together through movement, exploration and play.
Delivered alongside Auckland Council, Howick Local Board and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, the project celebrates the surrounding wetland landscape while creating a vibrant, large-scale recreational space for tamariki and whānau. The judges recognised the project for its inclusive recreation opportunities, intergenerational play experiences and strong sustainability outcomes.
Playground People were proud to contribute to the project, including the design, engineering, manufacture and installation of the main landmark tower in South Auckland. The playground combines adventurous climbing experiences with inclusive play elements, water play, musical interaction and spaces designed for a wide range of ages and abilities.
Projects like Barry Curtis Park show the impact that strong collaboration and ambitious thinking can have in creating community spaces that people genuinely connect with.
Destination Kāwaroa – Merit Award Recipient
We’re also proud to see Destination Kāwaroa recognised with a Merit Award at the 2026 Parks Awards.
Delivered alongside the Taranaki Foundation, Ngāti Te Whiti, New Plymouth District Council and the wider project team, Kāwaroa Park has become a landmark coastal destination that blends storytelling, culture and play into one unique community space.
A key feature of the playground is the custom Matariki-themed tower, designed in collaboration with Ngāti Te Whiti and manufactured by our team in Drury, South Auckland. The project also includes inclusive play experiences, challenging physical play elements and the popular Warrior Zone, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to connect, explore and play together.
For many in the Taranaki region, Kāwaroa holds a special place in the community, making this national recognition even more meaningful.
Celebrating Collaboration
Projects of this scale are only possible through the collaboration of passionate clients, communities, iwi partners, designers, contractors and delivery teams all working toward a shared vision.
We’d like to thank everyone involved in both projects and congratulate all finalists and winners recognised at the 2026 Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards.
We’re proud to continue creating play spaces that strengthen communities, encourage connection and inspire the next generation through play.