The idea is to create ''Leaves of Green'' - a natural adventure area of discovery and exploration.
That would mean changing some items of play equipment, but retaining others, including Humpty Dumpty, the rocket, the wooden fort and seesaws.
A concept plan is part of the Waitaki District Council's draft Waitaki Reserves Management plan, which will go out for public comment on April 4, submissions closing on June 4 and final decisions to be made by the council on August 6.
The plan looks at all reserves in the district, setting out how they will be managed, policies for day-to-day control and major future developments.
Included in that is the Oamaru Public Gardens, and its children's playground which, over the years has undergone some changes to meet safety standards and developments in playground equipment.
But what is proposed is a development based around a single concept, like the Steampunk playground at Friendly Bay on the Oamaru foreshore which is now a big attraction.
While a timetable can only be set after consultation and final decisions, there is already a suggestion volunteers and community groups could help.
At the western end, there are plans for an informal and formal performance space, including a stage and sloping mound to create a small amphitheatre.
Moving east, the concept plan utilises the existing paddling pool for recycling playground equipment moved from other areas in the playground, with high swings, a log-climbing feature and a sculpture to highlight the entrance across Oamaru Creek from the rest of the gardens.
About the middle of the playground is a 45th parallel feature which would use the rocket and roundabout, but also incorporate new adventure equipment.
A raised-deck treehouse and balance beam using one of the existing mature trees would connect to a new mound, which includes a wide bridge and slide. That would connect to another mound with a tower and twisty slide.
A main seating area would be created with adventure sand play, log channels for water and seats as a gathering area with shelter incorporating Humpty Dumpty.
A grove with a sculpture includes a log bank leading to a woodland path.
The adventure fort would be altered with the lower walls removed and replaced with an open wooden deck, the existing mound being resculptured with steps and native plantings.
At the eastern end the new main entrance would be from the car park, with the Chelmer St entrance being closed. At that end, a storytelling circle is planned with archways from the main path leading to a circle of seating surrounded by a grassy mound with framing trees.
