Last updated May 2026
Riverside Park Playground in Taradale (behind the Pettigrew Green Arena) is the latest stage of the Napier City Council’s Riverside Park redevelopment. The fully-fenced playground includes accessible equipment, a drinking fountain, picnic seating, shade sail and a new toilet block. The adjoining Dog Park within Riverside Park has an agility track, a dog-friendly drinking fountain, dog-poo-bag bin and a wheelchair-accessible outdoor seating area under natural tree shade.
Practical Information
| Location | Riverside Park, behind Pettigrew Green Arena, Taradale, Napier |
| Playground | Fully fenced; accessible equipment; drinking fountain; picnic seating; shade sail |
| Toilets | Recently installed toilet block on-site |
| Dog Park | Adjoining within Riverside Park — agility track, dog drinking fountain, poo-bag bin, wheelchair-accessible |
| Cost | Free |
| Parking | Free at Pettigrew Green Arena carpark |
| Open | Daylight hours, year-round |
About Riverside Park Playground
The Riverside Park Playground is one of Napier’s recent council playground builds — opened as part of the Riverside Park redevelopment, with the fully-fenced perimeter, accessible equipment and modern facilities reflecting current council playground standards. The park sits directly behind the Pettigrew Green Arena in Taradale (Napier’s substantial indoor sports facility), making it a natural pairing with sport events at the arena.
The playground itself includes accessible equipment for a range of abilities, plus the practical extras that make a longer visit comfortable: a drinking fountain, picnic seating, a shade sail over key equipment, and a new on-site toilet block. The fully-fenced perimeter is a particular advantage for parents with younger children.
The adjoining Dog Park within Riverside Park is one of Napier’s better-equipped dog facilities — an agility track for active dogs, a dog-friendly drinking fountain, the standard poo-bag bin, and crucially a wheelchair-accessible outdoor seating area under substantial natural tree shade. The dog park is separately enclosed from the playground.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers consistently rate Riverside Park as one of Napier’s better recent playground builds — the fully-fenced perimeter, the accessible equipment, the shade sail and the new toilet block together reflect the current standard for council playgrounds. The adjoining dog park (with its agility track and wheelchair-accessible seating area under tree shade) is a particular bonus for families with dogs.
The most common practical tip is to park at the Pettigrew Green Arena carpark (free) and walk through to the playground at the back of the park — easier than trying to access from the residential side. The natural tree shade is a substantial advantage on hot summer days; bring water for both kids and dogs.
Where to Learn More
Napier City Council — Riverside Park — official council page with playground details and dog park information.
Napier City Council — Riverside Park redevelopment — project page covering the recent redevelopment.
Napier City Council — playgrounds directory — full Napier playground directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Riverside Park Playground?
Behind Pettigrew Green Arena, Taradale, Napier — within Riverside Park.
Is the Riverside Park Playground fenced?
Yes — fully fenced perimeter, making it suitable for younger children.
Are there toilets at Riverside Park?
Yes — a new toilet block is installed on-site as part of the recent redevelopment.
Is there a dog park at Riverside Park?
Yes — adjoining the playground, with an agility track, dog-friendly drinking fountain, poo-bag bin and wheelchair-accessible seating area under tree shade.
Is the Riverside Park playground accessible?
Yes — accessible equipment for a range of abilities. The dog park’s seating area is also wheelchair-accessible.
Where can I park for Riverside Park?
Free parking at Pettigrew Green Arena carpark, with walk-through access to the playground.
Is Riverside Park Playground free?
Yes — completely free, open daylight hours year-round.
For more Napier playgrounds, see the playgrounds hub. The wider parks and reserves hub covers other family parks.
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