CPlay is a community-led volunteer group that collaborated with Timaru District Council, Arowhenua (mana whenua), the Aoraki Foundation charitable trust, experts, contractors, and the local community to develop an inclusive, destination playground at Caroline Bay in Timaru, South Canterbury. Through extensive consultation and a $3 million budget raised via community contributions, grants, and council support, the 5 year project was completed in December 2023 with the opening of a vibrant play space catering to all ages and abilities. The playground provides fun, challenging, and meaningful opportunities for imaginative play that promote fitter, healthier bodies and minds. Everyones efforts, and the completed playground was recognized with the 2024 Playground of the Year (over $500k budget) award from Recreation Aotearoa.
2023 CPLAY COMMITTEE (alphabetical order) Alice Brice Grant Applications Lead | Brent Birchfield Corporate Fundraising | Chris Fauth Consultation, Grants & Design Team | Francine Spencer Cultural Liaison & Design Team | Graham Ward Project Manager & Design Team | John Rushton Design Oversight & Design Team | Leanne Prendeville Donations Secretary | Lynette Wilson Secretary | Owen Jackson (OJ) CPlay Chair & Corporate Fundraising | Roselyn Fauth Communications, Marketing, Web & Graphic Design, Research & Design Team | Sarah Mills Project Support | Vicki Gould Project Support | Louise Haley Events Co-ordinator & Project Support
'The community rallied behind the CPlay project, to build our dream playground. Each donation, whether big or small, was a testament to the remarkable spirit of giving within our community, so we can have fun together and benefit from all the amazing things that come from quality and meaningful play.'