Otahuhu Recreation Centre
Products used:
Pour'n'Play
Part of the $30 million upgrade to the Otahuhu Recreation Centre, the new outdoor water splash area is an important element of a community project aiming to deliver a much-needed hub for Otahuhu residents.
With a focus on fun, fitness and coming together, the project saw the complete refurbishment of existing facilities and the construction of a new library, aquatic centre, community garden and fitness centre.
Located in an area of Auckland identified as one that lacked social cohesiveness, the Otahuhu Recreation Centre redevelopment aimed to combat the negative effects of growing urban sprawl. For main contractor NZ Strong the directive was clear. The community needed a high-quality recreational facility to be proud of.
The NZ Strong team rose to the challenge. Led by Project Manager Walter Hoyle, quality came first when selecting suppliers. While there were always cheaper alternatives available Walter knew that an inferior product would not stand up to the demands of a busy aquatic centre.
Selecting versatile products for a smart finish
When choosing the safety surface for the water splash and play area he looked for a project partner that could deliver a cost-effective product and installation expertise.
Choosing Numat’s versatile Pour’n’Play product, Walter was able to achieve a 30mm wet pour rubber surface throughout the outdoor play areas.
“The irregular shape of the play area was certainly a challenge,” says Walter. “This wasn’t a nice, flat surface.”
Pour’n’Play was a simple way to navigate the play area’s undulating mounds, craters, slides and climbing equipment. Expecting the play area to get a ‘good hammering’ from the kids, Walter knows the grip and seamless edges will keep them safe.
Working with Walter on the challenging project was Numat’s Jacob Judd. Jacob ensured the NZ Strong team understood the installation methodology and made sure time-frames and safety regulations were met
Meeting challenges head on
“Rubber on mounds in a waterpark is really challenging,” says Jacob. “We know that internationally lots of similar systems have failed within such an environment.”
“With Pour’n’Play we were able to provide a durable surface that also delivered the visual and tactile experience the designers were after.”
For Otahuhu the new play area has delivered much more than a place to cool off on a hot day. It has drawn crowds, delighted kids and provided an exciting focal point for a proud community.
