Waterfront Playground, Tauranga

Tauranga’s Waterfront Playground brings together play, culture and the coastal landscape in a vibrant city-centre destination.

Led by Playground Centre as part of Tauranga City Council’s wider waterfront transformation, the award-winning playground was designed as an inclusive and engaging place for local families and visitors.

Read the Playground Centre case study for the full playground design story.

Supporting play, connection, and memorable stays

Urban Effects supplied a coordinated selection of furniture to complement the playground and support the wider visitor experience.

Heaphy Timber Half Seats provide convenient places for parents, caregivers and visitors to pause close to the activity, while Parkvale Plus Pedestal Picnic Table Settings create practical spaces for families to gather and share food. Chatterbox Seats add a more informal option, encouraging conversation and bringing visual interest to the waterfront setting.

FUNiture creates an even closer connection between seating and play. The range combines functional seating with forms children can crawl through, explore and interact with.

Together, these products offer different ways to sit, supervise, socialise and take a break, while feeling naturally integrated with the playground and its unique design.

Designed as part of the place

The Urban Effects products were selected to sit comfortably within the wider landscape and playground design without competing with its distinctive features.

Their placement supports movement through the site, creates convenient resting points and contributes to a more welcoming waterfront environment. It also shows the value of considering street furniture as part of the overall project, rather than adding it as a final detail.

When seating and tables are coordinated with circulation, landscaping and activity areas, they can make a significant difference to how a public space functions and feels.

An award-winning destination

Tauranga Waterfront Playground was named Playspace of the Year at the 2025 Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards, recognising the strength of the overall design and its contribution to the community.

Urban Effects was proud to support Playground Centre and the wider project team with furniture that enhances the playground experience and helps the waterfront work as a complete public space.

Bringing the whole space together

Planning a playground, park or community destination?

Urban Effects can help coordinate seating, tables and complementary street furniture that respond to the site, support surrounding activity and strengthen the overall design.

Talk to the Urban Effects team about furniture solutions for your next outdoor project.

Images courtesy of Tauranga City Council and HEB Construction.