4 July 2023
Carterton District Council and Go Zone, the new adventure playground business based at 45A Norman Ave in Waingawa, are still finalising the building consent requirements following a recent engineer’s report as the business sets an official opening date. The engineer’s report identifies areas that require further work to comply with the New Zealand Building Code.
The Council has been working closely with Go Zone to bring this exciting new indoor playground to our District. Focus areas for Council have been the safety of children (and the odd adult) using the adventure playground equipment, which includes a donut slide, trampolines and toddlers’ area.
The New Zealand Building Code considers how structures behave under changing loads and pressure e.g. from earthquakes or excessive play. The imported playground equipment is designed to a European standard. Aligning the two standards have presented challenges for Go Zone. Council advised Go Zone of the requirement for a building consent and suggested they engage a structural engineer in October 2022 to assist them with the certification process.
Engineering services firm WSP were engaged to perform a structural assessment in May after the playground was constructed. The report shows the structure does not comply with the New Zealand Building Code. Further remedial work design will be necessary to ensure the various structures meet the New Zealand Building Code, and NZS5858:2015 Playground equipment and surfacing.
The engineer indicated the playground may suffer lateral (sideways) movements when children play at the top of the structure. This needs to be remedied before a Certificate of Acceptance can be issued by Council.
Chief Executive Geoff Hamilton said Council is working very hard to ensure the public’s safety and provide the appropriate consents for Go Zone to operate. While it is disappointing that this report has delayed the Certificate of Acceptance, it does show how close the project is to final sign off and everyone is focussed on the safety of our children.
“This business will be such a valuable asset for Carterton’s tamariki. Council has been working hard to help the business owners understand their responsibilities under the New Zealand Building Code to provide a safe experience for everyone.” Mr Hamilton said.
“We are very appreciative of the support and patience of our local parents as Go Zone work through these issues.”