Get ready to hunt for treasure at Shelly Beach’s revamped playgrounds

The Shelly Beach playgrounds have reopened after a major upgrade and soon families will be able to hunt for treasure there.

Shelly Beach is a popular recreation spot that sits on the eastern side of South Head peninsula, and the reserve has two playgrounds and a basketball court, which are governed by the Rodney Local Board.

Board Chair Brent Bailey is thrilled with the playgrounds' upgrades as the reserve is a popular destination for the local community and visitors to Shelly Beach.

"It's exciting to see the transformation that has taken place at this stunning spot.

"It's a priority for our local board to deliver quality recreational facilities which meet a range of needs for families and young people.

"We want everyone to enjoy play and it's great that more people will have access now the playgrounds have reopened."

Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara is connected to this beautiful rohe and their advice has helped guide the upgrades.

Board member Mark Dennis is excited about the treasure hunt and that wayfinding signs will point to the upper playground.

"There is a disconnect between the upper and lower levels of the park. Visitors don't know about the existence of the loop track or the upper playground.

"Now this is set to change as everyone gets to explore the park, and everything it has to offer.

"Soon there will be treasures to find in the sandpit at the foreshore playground and an exciting hunt for families wanting to learn about tree species in the reserve."

The three play areas are the foreshore playground, the upper playground and basketball court.

The foreshore playground caters for toddlers and younger children. It features a mix of existing and new equipment including a barbecue, picnic tables, bench seats, hammock and climbing frame, double swing set, tunnel, double slide, dolphin rocker, spinner, sand digger and sand pit filled with concrete items that children can dig for.

The upper playground is geared for older children and adults with new and existing equipment such as picnic tables, hopscotch, skate grinding boxes, and fitness equipment.

The basketball court has doubled in size and is great for friendly team play.

There is still some minor work to complete including the wayfinding signage which is expected to be installed before the end of June. The upgrades should cost about $680,000.

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