Parliamentary Play Space

The Parliamentary Play Space is a thoughtfully designed playscape set within the historic grounds of New Zealand’s Parliament in Wellington. Conceived as a way to make Parliament more welcoming to children and families, the project offers a unique invitation to engage with Aotearoa’s civic heart through exploration, play, and imagination.

Designed by Studio Pacific Architecture, the play space responds to both the formal setting and the need for accessible, neighbourhood-scale play in the city centre. Nestled within a grove of mature trees, the space sits lightly on the landscape, weaving among pōhutukawa and lime trees without compromising their root systems or the existing topography. Its design draws inspiration from the surrounding natural environment and local histories, particularly the presence of the Waipiro Stream and its long-fin eels, once a part of this site. These forms are echoed in the sinuous slide and discovery trail that winds through the space.

The materials palette – including sustainably sourced timber, native planting, and sculptural steel – supports sensory and imaginative play while honouring the Parliament Grounds’ conservation status. Subtle references to Māori design are integrated throughout, acknowledging the significance of the site to iwi, particularly Te Āti Awa and Ngāi Tara.

More than a playground, the space fosters everyday encounters between civic life and community, offering a rare example of playfulness within the formality of government grounds.