Project: Papatoetoe Stadium Reserve
Client: Auckland Urban Development Office
Design Lead: Bespoke Landscape Architects

The Ground
Change has been taking place in Auckland’s largest suburb lately as the transformation of Old Papatoetoe takes shape through Auckland Urban Development Office's ‘‘Unlock Papatoetoe’ regeneration programme. Focused on revitalising the town centre and strengthening community connections, the initiative has brought renewed investment into public spaces.

At the heart of this renewal is Stadium Reserve, a once underutilised site reimagined as a welcoming community destination for play, recreation, and gathering. Bespoke Landscape Architects led the design for the reserve, creating a multi-use green space that weaves play, sport, and social interaction together seamlessly.

Working closely with the Bespoke Landscape Architects team, Playground Creations supplied and installed the majority of play equipment to bring the magic of play to this community space.

The Creation
Guided by the mana whenua narrative, The Mists of Kohuora, the design of the play space draws inspiration from Auckland’s volcanic heritage. A strong volcanic theme to it with undulating mounds and volcanic-inspired cushion-fall areas, encouraging plenty of active play. The resulting play landscape is rich in texture and movement, shaped by undulating landforms, sculptural mounds, and cushion-fall surfacing reminiscent of volcanic flows.

Beyond the playground, a basketball half-court, landscaped gathering areas, walkways, and cycleways have been incorporated into the broader design to create an active yet relaxed recreational hub.

Natural materials, carefully selected for framing structures, climbing elements, balance beams, and integrated seating, blend effortlessly into the surrounding environment.

The Play
Subtle in design, this community play space in Stadium Reserve encourages open-ended imaginative play, with a layout that invites interpretation and plenty of opportunity to create the magic of play.