The playground upgrades continue for the Waitaki, with recent installation of new equipment at two Ōamaru parks.

Following on from the recent improvements made at the Otematata Playground, Waitaki District Council has recently completed equipment upgrades at Casa Nova Park, on Fleet St and at Southern Reclamation Park on Tamar St.

Casa Nova has had a new climbing and slide unit installed to complement the existing swings and see-saws at the site, and a path has also been added connecting Fleet Street to Taward Street.

A spring balance board has been added to the playground equipment at the Southern Reclamation Park.

The cost of the new equipment was not available from council, but it was within the recreation budget it has for renewing playground equipment as it comes to the end of its life. The money comes from the depreciation fund, recreation manager Lindsay Hyde said.

Council is also working on providing better access for these areas, so there is additional cost in providing an accessible surface.

“We have tried to fill in the gaps within the network to ensure that our playgrounds have a variety of play equipment available,” he said.

The new slide and climbing unit installed at Casa Nova Park. PHOTO: Supplied

Meanwhile, at the Ōamaru Public Gardens, on Chelmer St, work started this morning (August 31) on the project of restoring the Display House or glasshouse.

The building, which protects and exhibits frost-tender plants, will be temporarily closed while repairs and conservation work is carried out, after a routine engineer’s inspection identified areas of decay which need to be addressed.

The humid environment inside the structure leads to some unwanted effects to the timber frame of the heritage structure, a council spokesperson said. 

While the engineer’s report identified some issues, the work happening is both to repair and explore, as some things can’t be determined until it has been started.

The project itself is going to be split into three sections, starting with the most-affected north end first – this will help establish an idea of the cost and work involved in the other three sections.

A popular attraction in the Gardens, the Display House has architectural and historical significance. Designed by Ōamaru architect Ivan Steenson and opened in 1929.

It is unknown how long the work will take, and the Display House will be closed until the project is complete, the spokesperson said.