Creating a network of highly accessible and inclusive public spaces for our city
Update April 2023
We would like to thank the community and key stakeholders for taking the time to provide feedback to Council on the Accessible Hotspots project.
We are now taking what we have heard and applying these learnings to our parks, reserves and playgrounds across the city.
"E āhei ana te hunga katoa... accessible for everyone..."
Kia hangaia he Tauranga e wātea ana ki ngā tāngata katoa.
āhei: Te āhei atu ki ngā wāhi whenua, ngā papa rēhia, ngā taunga tangata me ngā hangatanga katoa.
To create a Tauranga that is free of obstruction for all.
āhei: To have access to spaces, places, parks, reserves and buildings.
What is an accessible hotspot?
Small changes, big difference!
An accessible hotspot is a geographic area with a concentrated number of accessibility initiatives. This will make it an area that people can confidently go to with the knowledge it is an accessible place.
An accessible hotspot will result from coordinating city improvement projects to create large scale change, resulting in better experiences for disabled people in our city.
By pooling resources and creating hot spots in key areas, Council will be able to reduce challenges disabled people, tāngata whaikaha and people with access needs face, making it easier for everyone to play a full part in our city.
An access mat enables Stacey to get onto the beach
An accessible picnic table
What are we trying to achieve?
- Locally: First up we are specifically concentrating in the Mount Maunganui area. Centred on Mount Drury Reserve – Hopukiore, including linkages to Main Beach, Pilot Bay, Mauao and Mount Main Street. There are a number of existing accessibility initiatives in this area including upgrades to mobility carparks, kerb cuts, and tactile pavers in the Mount North area. We are excited that the Accessible Changing Facility at Hopukiore Mount Drury Reserve is open, complementing Te Kaiwhakatere – TrailRider, beach wheel chairs and beach mats already provided in that area. Improvements such as new pathways, improved kerb cuts, accessible play equipment, accessible safety matting at playgrounds and accessible picnic sets will continue to be made.
- City wide: We’re identifying priority areas within our city for future upgrades and improvements to create a network of accessible hotspots and developing a three-year implementation plan. We have improved the accessibility of play spaces at Pacific Park, Te Papa Tākaro o Tongaparaoa | Ila Park and Waipuna Park.
- Joining the dots: We’re influencing existing and upcoming projects to drive opportunities to increase choice for disabled people.
The trailrider – Te Kaiwhakatere gives disabled people access to the Mauao summit. Please note there is no speaking in this video.
Grayson likes visiting the playground
Tauranga Special School students enjoy the all abilities carousel