Project: Heard Park Parnell
Client: Auckland Council

The Ground
Could there be any sweeter location for a playground than adjacent to a former candy factory? The site of Parnell’s latest community play space is on land previously donated by the Heard family in 1953, who were perhaps best known for their Barley Sugars that ‘give a little energy boost’.

A unique civic space along Parnell’s main arterial route is a favourite destination for local businesses, residents, and visitors and holds historical, cultural, and community significance, all of which were incorporated into the playground design.

The Creation
Community engagement was integral to the design of Parnell’s Heard Park, which brought key spatial and design characteristics to the fore. These included themes of colour, art, and sculpture and recognition of the legacy of the Heard family.

Collaborative cultural design input pulled through strong references to the Matariki star cluster, symbolic of the Māori New Year and guardianship of the harvest, which can be seen in the “lollipop tops”.  These act as semi-translucent panels that project designs of striking coloured shadows onto the ground’s wetpour surfacing below.

The double spiral Takarangi patterns seen in the play space surfacing symbolise a variety of concepts in Māori culture, including the connection between the celestial and terrestrial realms, the creation of the universe, and the interconnectedness of knowledge. 

The Play
Today, Heard Park is a vibrant play space that encourages community activation and engagement. Sustainable design elements, which saw the re-use of existing paving units and street furniture, as well as the relocation of existing planting, enabled the project to be delivered within a tight budget and timeframe, while providing a successful outcome for the community.

The revitalisation of the Park speaks to the artistic culture of Parnell, whilst celebrating the site’s rich historical and cultural heritage.