“We are thrilled to be partnering with Cplay to develop one of the best community Playgrounds in the South - One that tells and brings to life the unique ‘Story of Timaru! This is promising to be a popular destination for locals and visitors alike for generations to come!” - Warren Walker. - Playground Centre

"I am excited to be involved by volunteering my time and offering my specialist design skill insights in the proposed new C-Play playground with the ultimate goal of creating a valuable resource for our youth and the local community. My belief is that design is all about creative spaces inspired for the whole of life, including play.  I am excited to be involved by volunteering my time and offering my specialist design skill insights in the proposed new C-Play playground with the ultimate goal of creating a valuable resource for our youth and the local community. My belief is that design is all about creative spaces inspired for the whole of life, including play. Caroline Bay has many valuable stories to retell from our past in forming the community we have today. Stories of finding shelter, to gather and grow kai,  produce and products. Stories of calm and stormy times. Stories of both local iwi and European settlers alike. The local stories that are informing the design of the playground. Our new C-Play playground will reflect the stories of our past along with carrying our cultural vision into the future of what makes our place here so special, through the experience of Child directed PLAY." - John Rushton. Rushton Architects

“With strong links to our local heritage it will be a great asset for our community and for the education of our tamariki. Such an inspirational public asset will enhance our civic realm and create a new place of beauty within our CBD and district as a whole. It is for these reasons that the Timaru Civic Trust Board has decided to pledge $50,000 to the construction of CPLAY. Great community’s take the effort of dedicated people to make what seems impossible happen. It is great to see CPLAY has such a dedicated group of volunteers to get this project off the ground. The Timaru Civic Trust recognises this effort and wish to thank the CPLAY group for working towards bringing Timaru this tremendous facility.”  - Joshua Newlove. Timaru Civic Trust

The play equipment is getting old with some of it dating back to the 1950s and 60s era and it’s time to repurpose it. Over the last 60 years we have a better understanding of children’s needs so that we can now offer more stimulating and inclusive play opportunities. We are thrilled to see such an energetic group working with Council. Working together we can deliver an awesome destination for children and their families to play. When I speak to people from around the country and say I’m from Timaru, they say, “Oh, Caroline Bay.” So everyone knows Caroline Bay meaning it’s definitely the right place for a destination playground. - Bill Steans. Parks and Recreation Manager at Timaru District Council

“The 2018 census defines ‘activity limitations’ as when a person has a lot of difficulty or cannot do a range of activities including walking, seeing, cognition, self-care and communicating.  3611 of the total Timaru District population have activity limitations and 516 of those are under 15. “The 2018 census defines ‘activity limitations’ as when a person has a lot of difficulty or cannot do a range of activities including walking, seeing, cognition, self-care and communicating.  3611 of the total Timaru District population have activity limitations and 516 of those are under 15. My interactions with the community make it clear that not just Timaru but the wider region (and large parts of the South Island) do not have play facilities that can cater effectively to these families. If one child or caregiver is unable to effectively access and use a space it often limits use of the space for the whole family. This is a major part of our community who may be missing out, and the idea we could improve this situation  has become a key driver of our project.” - Chris Fauth. CPlay Member

"Our staff have been able to share their knowledge regarding accessibility, sensory and other developmental considerations which have been of high priority for the committee in the planning of the playground. In particular we were able to have a good discussion around accessibility and inclusion for children who access our service. We look forward to seeing the playground completed as a valuable resource for all children in our district." - Extract from Child Development Service, South Canterbury District Health Board, Letter of Support. 19 October 2020

“The new playground has been inspired by the sea and some of the local creation stories. You will be able to learn and reflect on how Māori and European settlers made Te Tihi-o-Maru, Timaru, an important stop on their journey, and their home. The ancestral waka Te Ārai-te-uru wrecked near Moeraki. Passengers including Aoraki, Pātītī (Patiti Point) and Tarahaoa and Hua-te-kerekere (Big Mount Peel and Little Mount Peel) became the hills and ranges to the alps of Te Waipounamu, The South Island . The playground will share this story by reproducing ancient rock art and a kai trail with mokihi shaped seats along a river path and information boards.” - Francine Spencer. CPlay Member. Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua

“The more recent chapter of Timaru's story was the arrival of European settlers. Timaru was getting a reputation as a ship graveyard, and we needed to build a safe and efficient harbour. This was very challenging due to the way the sediment moved along the coast, and at times political. The Port of Timaru enabled the district to grow. There was also a rapid change to the coastline, such as increased erosion and a new sandy bay. This playground will include many elements of the story so far, including a shipwreck and lighthouse. These playful elements connect to our environment, heritage and culture. They can help us reflect and offer critical thinking. An interesting way to help our community and visitors learn and connect while they play.” - Roselyn Fauth. CPlay Member. WuHoo Timaru

“Caroline Bay is one of our district's best attractions and it’s exciting to be backing the creation of a high-quality new play space for residents and visitors. Timaru District has always been an incredibly family friendly place, and this great new asset will be enjoyed by kids for years to come. I know mine will be among the first to want to go down to it!” - Nigel Bowen. Timaru District Mayor

“We’d love to have a really awesome playground to promote as a leading attraction for Timaru District and to have it located in the heart of Caroline Bay is perfect! Families are one of our key target market groups that we attract as visitors to Timaru District so creating an exciting new playground adds a wonderful asset to our tourism offering.”  - Di Hay. Operations Manager Venture Timaru

"C-Play has an opportunity to create an amazing inclusive space. Imagine being the only playground in the country that provides for ALL children not just those who are able bodied."  -  Extract from email - Kirsten Stevens, SENCO representative of Mountainview High School. 16 November 2020

“Caroline Bay is such a wonderful asset for Timaru and it is a place where people go to gather and connect. Play areas do not just have to be reserved for children under 5 years old. Teenagers should also have a place that they can go to, to relax and play (or in teenage terms, hangout).” - Deb Hales. Principal Timaru Girls High School

“The Aoraki Foundation is our region’s Community Foundation.  We are a trustworthy vehicle for you to contribute to the local causes that really matter to you. Our role is to make it as easy as possible for you to give back to your community. Plus, the community that you love benefits directly from your generosity – for now and forever.” - Leah Bradley. Aoraki Foundation

"Outdoor play environments like CPlay can provide our children with opportunities not only to move but also to learn risk taking, turn taking all of those social skills which develop our children into whole people. We all want as parents the same thing for our children, we want them to grow into independent and creative young beings who will move through the world confidently. This is the one most important thing we can do as parents for our children." - Lee King. Child Development Specialist