Lawrence Destination Playground Opens After Four-Year Community Project

Funding Stories

On Saturday 14th February 2026, the Lawrence-Tuapeka community marked the official opening and handover of their new destination playground on Whitehaven Street to the Clutha District Council, completing a four-year community-led project through the Lawrence Heritage and Cultural Charitable Trust.

In October 2023, the Otago Community Trust approved a grant of $110,000 towards Stage 3 of the Lawrence Destination Playground Project. This funding contributed to the final phase of equipment installation for a playground that had not been upgraded in 23 years, with safety inspections identifying that much of the existing equipment was no longer safe for use.

The project was delivered in three stages by the Lawrence Playground Committee, working alongside the Clutha District Council and Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board. Stage 1 involved installing perimeter fencing. Stage 2 included an integrated carousel designed to accommodate two wheelchairs and six people, plus a fusion swing. Stage 3 added the remaining equipment: a Fairfield Plan Playground, Web Climber/Infinity Cube, Sputnik, play chimes, and a gold-mining themed platform with sand activities reflecting the area's heritage.

The playground opened in time for summer 2024-25, with all equipment sheltered under shade sails. Located on State Highway 8, the main route between Dunedin and Queenstown, the facility serves Lawrence's population of approximately 450 residents as well as passing travellers. In December 2025, local artist Alice Muir added painted paw prints along the concrete pathway leading into the playground.

The handover ceremony included an iwi blessing presided over by Mayor Jock Martin and Councillor Roger Cotton, followed by a free sausage sizzle hosted by the playground committee. The playground is now a Council-owned facility, with the Clutha District Council responsible for ongoing maintenance and public safety.

“What an amazing space it is for our Tamariki and travelling public, and what a real community asset the playground is! Congratulations to the community for making this happen, and to all the groups and businesses who chipped in with their time and resources. This has been a real grass roots community effort and something the district can be proud of.” said Mayor Martin via the Clutha District Council.

The project involved significant volunteer contributions from the community, including fundraising events, site preparation, and committee work. The Otago Community Trust was pleased to support this community-driven initiative.