Last updated June 2026
Riverside Park Playground in Taradale sits behind the Pettigrew Green Arena as the latest stage of the Napier City Council redevelopment of Riverside Park. The fully fenced playground offers accessible equipment including a ground-level trampoline and carousel designed for wheelchair users, along with a drinking fountain, picnic seating, shade sails and a new toilet block. An adjoining dog park within the same reserve provides separate off-leash space with an agility track, dog-friendly drinking fountain, poo-bag bin and wheelchair-accessible seating under natural tree shade. The site is free to use and open during daylight hours year-round, with free parking available at the arena.
Practical Information
| Location | Riverside Park, behind Pettigrew Green Arena, Taradale, Napier |
| Playground | Fully fenced; accessible equipment including ground-level trampoline and carousel; drinking fountain; picnic seating; shade sails; climbing frame; swings |
| Toilets | New toilet block on-site |
| Dog Park | Adjoining within Riverside Park — agility track, dog drinking fountain, poo-bag bin, wheelchair-accessible seating under tree shade |
| Cost | Free |
| Parking | Free at Pettigrew Green Arena carpark |
| Open | Daylight hours, year-round |
About Riverside Park Playground
The Riverside Park Playground forms part of the ongoing redevelopment of Riverside Park in Taradale. Council records confirm the fully fenced and accessible playground as the most recent completed stage, located directly behind the Pettigrew Green Arena stadiums. The design emphasises inclusivity with equipment suitable for a range of abilities.
Key features include a ground-level trampoline that allows carers to join wheelchair users and an inclusive carousel that accommodates wheelchairs, pushchairs or multiple children. Additional equipment comprises a climbing frame, multi-combination unit and swings, all set within a fully fenced perimeter with shade sails, seating and rubbish bins. Regular safety inspections maintain the play surfaces and equipment.
The adjoining dog park operates as a separate enclosed area within Riverside Park. It includes an agility track for active dogs, a dedicated dog drinking fountain, poo-bag disposal and a wheelchair-accessible seating area under natural tree shade. The two facilities remain distinct to support both family play and dog exercise.
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 Playground: official page with features, location map and accessibility details.
Napier City Council — Riverside Park redevelopment: project updates on the playground and reserve upgrades.
Napier City Council — playgrounds directory: full list of Napier playgrounds with details.
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 including a ground-level trampoline and carousel designed for wheelchair users. 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.
What equipment is at the playground?
Ground-level trampoline, inclusive carousel, climbing frame, multi-combination unit, swings, shade sails, seating and rubbish bins.
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