It’s time to tip-off at Medlands Beach Playground Reserve, with a revamped basketball halfcourt now open – and it’s not just for shooting hoops! The court has a new colour coating and pickleball markings have been added, providing even more ways to play.
The community is loving the makeover.
“The new basketball hoop at Medlands is awesome,” said one local, having visited the park.
“My family really enjoys using it.”
There is also a new moveable ramp for those who want to level up their skating.
And it’s just the beginning, there are more play space upgrades in the pipeline, with Barrier’s Local Board using community feedback to help guide design.
Earlier in 2025, the board asked both the local community and visitors what makes a good play space, including visits to the island’s schools to survey tamariki.
The top reason whānau use playgrounds is to “play and have fun”.
Meanwhile a high percentage of rangatahi (youth) aged 15-19 said they use play spaces and parks as a way to connect with nature and take a break from technology.
Feedback showed that the most enjoyed pieces of playground equipment relate to climbing, flying and swinging.
“Thanks to everyone who took part in the consultation,” says board member Neil Sanderson.
“Now that we’ve heard from the community, we will investigate options to see how we might be able to include these elements into future play space designs.”
Other activities that people like to use our parks for include cycling and walking, picnicking and meeting up with friends.
In addition to the park’s recently upgraded halfcourt, the playground at Medlands Beach is scheduled to be next up for renewal.
