Hamilton City Council had a vision to revitalise a play space, providing children from preschool to school age with a unique experience and a key attraction in the central city by incorporating different playscapes, culture and history. The concept was for a more natural play area that utilizses elements of the Hamilton environment, hence it would be known as a children's garden rather than a traditional playground.

Get Outside Ltd was engaged to assist with the selection of the most appropriate site and to design the garden in 2011. The identity of this garden is very much determined by the site adjacent to the Waikato River. The play space, which includes a large central water play area with fountain, deck, paths, play equipment and gardens, preserves the cultural, historical and natural values of the area and helps convey these values to a younger generation in a fun, interactive environment. The garden is of educational value to the children, connecting them to the natural environment through the use of play features and shapes that reference the tui and kowhai, particularly aiding their understanding of the importance of the kowhai to the city of Hamilton. The native planting also contributes to the biodiversity of the Waikato River corridor.

The Garden offers a positive social setting for all ages and abilities to interact with each other through the sharing of space, equipment and experiences such as paddling in the water and "hanging out" in the amphitheatre. It provides a safe place to enjoy the cool water and shade of the established trees whilst also enjoying the views and proximity to the Waikato River.