The Thames-Coromandel District Council says the playground at Porritt Park will be closed to the public for up to six hours this Friday.

As part of the redevelopment of Porritt Park, council will be installing two new pieces of equipment – the Serious Air Swing and the rest of the Three Bay Senior Swing with basket.

The new toilet block at Thames' Porritt Park which were installed earlier this year. Photo: TCDC

The reason for the closure is because contractors will be operating heavy machinery in and around the playground and toilet areas.

'We'll also be putting the soft fall wood chip around all the play equipment. This means a big truck with a pump will need access and the area will be closed off while the blower fills the areas around all the play equipment with woodchip.”

A basket swing at Island View Reserve in Whangamata. Photo: TCDC

The new toilet block at Thames' Porritt Park which were installed earlier this year. Photo: TCDC

The frame for the three bay Senior Swing with basket is already in place, with council adding this type of swing is favoured by parents with infants because they can cuddle the wee one and swing at the same time.

'The basket swing is also a favourite of primary school students who like to chill out together on the swing, as well as appreciated by children with disabilities.”

The first stage of the playground got underway earlier this year with the installation of the new toilet block.

Council says the playground could be closed for up to six hours this Friday but adds: 'it will be as long as it takes to do the job”.

The frame for the three bay Senior Swing with basket which is already in place at Porritt Park. Photo: TCDC