Filterra® Case Study - New Plymouth
Delivering High-Performance Stormwater Treatment Within a Landscape Setting
Project Overview
The New Plymouth destination playground project is a landmark community space designed to bring together play, culture, and connection while celebrating the unique identity of the whenua.
Located above the reef, the playground was brought to life through the leadership of Taranaki Foundation and the creativity of Ngāti Te Whiti and New Plymouth District Council, creating an inclusive space featuring:
- A custom Matariki-themed play tower
- Dynamic KOMPAN play equipment for school-aged tamariki
- Warrior Zone for teens and adults
- Kinetic-powered native birdsong
- Storytelling elements inspired by the whenua
With the project focused on creating a seamless connection between people and place, stormwater treatment needed to support the landscape design while delivering reliable water quality outcomes.
Solution
With a small footprint, the Filterra® was the ideal device to ensure the highest quality stormwater treatment on site within keeping with the brief of blending into the landscape. Consideration also to the H&S of all the parks visitors.
Design Features & Details
The project presented unique design challenges, including level constraints and the need to manage stormwater flows through a piped inlet system before treatment.
A tailored design solution was developed, incorporating:
- A piped inlet connection directing flows to the Filterra® system
- A riprap-covered apron prior to entry for effective integration into the landscape
- A cleverly designed bypass overflow using a scruffy dome outlet
This compact configuration enabled effective stormwater management while maintaining the visual appeal and functionality of the surrounding playground environment.
Target Pollutants
The Filterra® system was designed to achieve:
- 75% Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal
Through engineered biofiltration processes, Filterra® captures sediment and associated pollutants before stormwater enters the downstream environment.
Maintenance
To ensure long-term performance, Stormwater360 completed the first 12 months of maintenance following installation before the asset was vested to council.
The ongoing maintenance programme includes:
- Six-monthly mulch replacement
- Routine inspections to maintain treatment performance
Filterra® is engineered for low-maintenance operation, providing reliable stormwater treatment while supporting efficient whole-of-life asset management.
Conclusion
The New Plymouth playground project demonstrates how green infrastructure can deliver effective stormwater treatment without compromising landscape design, public amenity, or community experience.
By integrating a compact Filterra® into the site, the project achieved high-quality stormwater treatment while preserving the vision of a vibrant, culturally significant destination space.
Filterra® continues to provide a proven solution for managing stormwater sustainably, even in challenging, space-constrained environments.
