Thames-Coromandel District Council have released design plans for a playground at the Esplanade, part of stage two of the town centre upgrade.

Local playground users, including parents, have had input into the layout and play equipment.

The play equipment needs to meet new health and safety standards, and the council has tried to factor in some form of play for different age groups and accessibility.

The new playground will have three sections. A sand play zone, with The Jolly Roger boat to be replaced with a newer, more interactive version based around the ship wreck of the Buffalo. There will also be sand-style play equipment such a treasure chest and digger.

In the main play zone a large custom multi-play unit is being installed, along with several types of swings to cater to different ages, and a seesaw.

There will also be an in-ground trampoline. The existing large net will stay, along with the supernova spinner, which will be moved slightly. The third section will be a water play zone with water troughs and dispensers, and a water channel with gates.

Around the perimeter of the three zones will run a mini-scooter track.

New fencing and soft-fall matting is also being installed. The cost for stage two of the town centre upgrade is approximately $718,000 and the council is now in the process of putting this part of the project out for tender.