Welcome to the playground at Caroline Bay, Timaru. Opened December 2023.

A playground where everyone can play together, immersed in local stories to inspire imaginative play. There are over 40 play pieces and bespoke items including a lighthouse slide tower, and shipwreck so there is something for everyone to play on - for lots of ages, sizes, abilities, and stages. It is meaningful, challenging, and FUN! The playground project was always about the children, and bringing people together. We are proud to help bring all of our people and cultures together, including; Arowhenua, Waihao, and Moeraki Runanga. 

Timaru, a vibrant port city in South Canterbury, boasts a rich geological and cultural heritage. The recent transformation of its Caroline Bay Playground epitomizes community spirit and collaboration. Led by the volunteer group CPlay, and with support from various partners including the Timaru District Council and Playground Centre, the project took five years to complete. Inspired by local Māori and European history, the playground offers a diverse range of play equipment, including a towering lighthouse, a shipwreck structure, and a sea-rescue-themed flying fox. Inclusivity was a key focus, with over 90% of the playground being wheelchair accessible and a wide array of inclusive play equipment for all ages and abilities. With its blend of recreation, education, and inclusivity, the Caroline Bay Playground stands as a testament to community-driven development and heritage celebration.

 

 

 

 

Let's play together!

 

CPlay progress as of 13 November 2023 - Photo Jack Rushton

 

The new playground, tennis courts, paddling pool, skate park and bike skills park with view out to Caroline Bay, Timaru. - Photo South Canterbury Drone Photography

 

CPlay opening celebrations December 2023 - Photo By Geoff Cloake

Some of the CPlay volunteers children test out the horse that was re-sited from the old playground. It was installed in 1961. -  Photo Geoff Cloake

 

Medinella Fauth (9) plays on the lighthouse slide tower inspired by Timaru's iconic 1878 Blackett Lighthouse. - Photo Geoff Cloake

 

CPlay volunteer Chris Fauth, supervises the fun at the playground opening party, it was awesome seeing the community use the floor is lava obstacle course for the first time and seeing the older kids and adults have fun challenging each other and working together to complete the course. - Photo Geoff Cloake

CPlay - The FloorIs Lava - Flying Fox - South Canterbury Drone Photography

 

CPlay's Shipwreck - Photo-Braden-TMG-Group

An artwork that celebrates the mahika kai in the Caroline Bay area. Artwork By Francine Spencer, sponsored by the Friends of the Aigantighe Art Gallery. - Photo Geoff Cloake

 

Children look for their artworks in mural that the community made. Their art captures their memories of the old playground and their excitment of the new one. - Photo supplied. 

A school visits the playground with museum educators to learn about Caroline Bay and mahika kai. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

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The team at Creo have put together this awesome case study, pop over to their website to see it: 

The Destination CPlay Playground at Timaru's Caroline Bay was opened in December 2023 as Timaru's newest all-inclusive, accessible playground for everyone to enjoy. "Well done to all involved in facilitating this amazing new playground, reducing the barriers to play in the local community."

Full Case Study

 

CPlay, a volunteer committee representing a community initiative, collaborates with the Timaru District Council as the asset owner, developer, maintainer, and project partner. The Aoraki Foundation serves as the registered charity responsible for receiving, processing, and issuing receipts for donations, ensuring transparency, credibility, and enabling donors to claim a 33.33% tax rebate on their contribution.

For the community - by the community.

 

 CPlay Voluntary Committee

The CPlay Voluntary Committee, despite not having prior involvement in playgrounds, brought together a diverse range of skills. Over the past five years, the committee has included a representative from Mana Whenua. Their roles and responsibilities encompassed various critical areas: fundraising ($3M), community consultation involving over 30 individual groups and the general public through events, project communication through social media, the website, radio, and other media, conceptual design and design oversight, joint project management, joint steering group representation, and playground activation.

CPlay – Positives of Approach

The CPlay approach had several positive aspects. The committee was more readily trusted by the community, which allowed them to effectively separate fundraising from consultation. Starting without a rigid plan gave the community freedom and ownership over the project. This ownership over key outcomes and processes motivated the committee to contribute more. Additionally, not being a legal entity but receiving support from legal entities was crucial to their success.

Timaru District Council

The Timaru District Council played a significant supportive role. They provided initial funding through an LTP submission and ensured oversight to meet design and maintenance ambitions. Assigning a joint project manager was a crucial step. They also supported contract management and took ownership of the space once the project was completed. Importantly, they allowed CPlay to maintain its unique approach.

Aoraki Foundation

The Aoraki Foundation, as a registered charity, received donations on behalf of CPlay. 

Professional Contractors

Professional contractors played a vital role in transforming the project from concept to reality. They refined the designs into functional working drawings and managed fixed contracts through TDC procurement processes and the joint project manager. They worked closely with the project manager and design team and were adaptable, making necessary adjustments on the fly.

So what did we build?

The project resulted in a playground with over 40 pieces of play equipment, many featuring bespoke designs to inspire imaginative play and promote healthier, stronger bodies and happier minds. The playground was inclusive, catering to a range of ages, stages, abilities, and sizes. It offered challenging play to keep users engaged as they developed and grew. The design was meaningful, inspired by the stories and history of local people and places, and met standards suitable for educational use while still being fun.

 

Rooney Earthmover Dylan, with CPlay volunteers Graham Ward CPlay project manager and Chris Fauth from the design team stand in the space soon be transformed. - Photo Roselyn Fauth 

 

Pacific pops of colours in the new playground - Photography By Playground Centre

 

 

Transforming Caroline Bay - A Playground for the Community

Caroline Bay, one of the premier parks Te Tihi-o-Maru Timaru, is not just a scenic coastal location but a hub of communal play and recreation. People have been playing at the bay for over a century, and when the old playground had come to the end of its life, the community could see the opportunity to create a more inclusive, fun, challenging, and themed destination playground. This case study is the story of the transformation of Caroline Bay playground, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the Community Initiative (CPlay) volunteer committee, with the support of the Timaru District Council, and numerous project partners such as Aoraki Foundation, and contractors, including, Playground Centre, Creo, Numat REC and Rooney Earthmoving.

 

Caroline Bay Playground 1 April 2023 - Photo Jack Rushton

Caroline Bay Playground 10 October 2023 - Photo Jack Rushton

 

 

Why the Community Needed It:

The original playground was at the end of its life, it didn't cater well to the whole community, including those with special needs, missing out on the joys of play. Poor drainage and occasional flooding issues had also challenged the playground's functionality. The community, therefore, needed a space that was not only fun and engaging but also offered a safe, accessible, and meaningful experience for locals and visitors of all ages and abilities.

Our Goal: To help our community play and connect by upgrading facilities to meet current safety standards, offer a fun play experience for a range of abilities and ages.

 

 

Looking south over Caroline Bay from north of the Tennis Courts, c1933. Pohatu-koko stream can be seen to the left, running over the sandy bay. The cars are parked where the playground is today. Courtesy of South Canterbury Museum 0076.

 

Play at the bay a while ago - Antonius Cygnus Maximus

Bill Steans, Timaru District Director of Parks and Recreation, sitting on play equipment at Timaru's Caroline Bay, 1995. Timaru Herald Photographer Anne Hatch. Courtesy of  South Canterbury Museum  2012/186.9372

 

Playground equipment current at Caroline Bay Playground, some will be re-used or re-purposed. (Note the paddling poo, courts areas were not included in the CPlay project. The bike skills park area was a project championed by the Timaru Suburban Lions. Photo's By Roselyn Fauth

 

 

What They Wanted:

It was clear from community consultation that we could do more than just picking some items out of a catalogue and adding a rectangle of play surface below. The community wanted an inclusive space where children, adults, and supervisors could play together without the stigma of specialized equipment or be limited by their size, age or ability. Apart from the mouse wheel, there wasn't much of a play offering to the older kids, and even adults were limited to what they could play on with their kids due to their size. There was also an opportunity to be inspired by stories of the area and share the local culture, histories, and connections to the sea, a place where imaginative play and storytelling could be prompted.

Cplay volunteers, asked the community what mattered to them, what they wanted and needed.

• A member of Arowhenua Runanga Francine Spencer joined our committee as their representative. Francine Spencer's tribal affiliations are her father; Taranaki, Mother; Waitaha, Kati Mamoe; Rapuwai, and Ngāi Tahu).
• The CPlay volunteers met with over 30 community groups, these included children of a ranges of ages and stages, caregivers, educators, tourism promoters, story, history and arts representatives, disability, health and well-being sectors and local families who have lived experience of using playgrounds and missing out on play.
• The current accessibility offering and opportunity was assessed at other playgrounds across the District.
• The CPlay volunteers went to public meetings and events with information displays and surveys to engage with the public. 
• CPlay established website, social media and ENewsletters to engage with public.
• CPlay consulted the Timaru District Council staff, councillors and maintenance contractors along the way to ensure we supported their vision, goals, and requirements.

 

 

Who we could improve the play opportunity for

46,296 people live in The Timaru District
(as of 2018 census)

61,955 people live in South Canterbury
(2020/21 projection)

8289 are u15 yrs living in the Timaru District
(as of 2018 census)

3611 people in Timaru District have “activity limitations”, 516 are u15 yrs
(as of 2018 census)

If one child or caregiver is unable to effectively access and use a space it limits use of the space for the whole family. Many in our community may be missing out. We can improve this by having a playground that is fun for all ages and abilities. Our space will be integrated meaning all abilities will play together. The regional availability of public play spaces that provide more than a token level of inclusiveness are limited.

277 families in Canterbury involved Grandparents raising grandchildren full time and permanently. This figure doesn’t include grandparents who help with childcare part time while parents work or over school holidays etc.
(as of 2018 census)

$161M was spent by visitors in Timaru District for year to June 2020. Up from $141m from the previous year. (Venture Timaru)
Families are one of the key target market groups that we attract as visitors to Timaru District. The new playground adds a wonderful asset to our tourism offering. A new playground for all ages and abilities will attract regional visitors, make tourists stop and stay longer and locals won’t need to drive to Christchurch (Margaret Mahy) or further to enjoy an amazing playground space.

 

  

What the CPlay Volunteers Delivered:

The CPlay volunteer committee, are a dedicated team of individuals, who committed a fair bit of personal time and expertise to this ambitious project. They worked hard to transform the community's dreams into reality. With support from the Timaru District Council, CPlay undertook a five-year journey, from fundraising to research, planning and consultation with community, professional playground designers and suppliers, culminating in the playground's grand re-opening in December 2023.

With a budget of 3 million dollars, funds were fundraised from the community, including individuals, clubs, societies, businesses, grants, and support from the Timaru District Council. The project partners, including the Aoraki Foundation, Playground Centre, Creo surfacing, Rooney Earthmoving, and Curle Construction, played pivotal roles in bringing the project to life.

The collaboration between volunteers, the community, and professionals was key to the project's success. Concept plans were shared with the community at public events and meetings, ensuring that the playground's design was shaped by the needs and desires of those who would use it. Additionally, a representative from mana whenua Arowhenua Francine Spencer joined the team to ensure meaningful cultural inclusion.

In the end, the playground boasted a diverse range of features, from

• a "Floor is lava" inspired by 2 million year old lava that used to flow here, into an obstacle course for older children and adults
• a sea rescue themed 50m flying fox, mouse wheel and double cyclops swing
• a lighthouse slide tower inspired by Timaru's icon Blackett Lighthouse with 7 and 5m slides
• a shipwreck, reflecting over 30 ships that wrecked in and around the area
• massive tuna eel mound with musical instruments, slides, rockers, trampolines, carousel, spinners
• mokihi sea saw and tuna eel balance beams
• whare area with craw tunnels, fire man poles
• variety of swings for infants, toddlers right up to adults.
• public art and information / story sharing signage

The CPlay committee, in collaboration with consultants, aimed to deliver a free-to-use playground that exceeded the community's expectations, making Caroline Bay and even more exciting place to meet and play with the inclusion, and connection of people and the areas stories. 

Story sharing was also important, so sculpture, information signs and reproductions of art were included. This was incorporated to enhance the playgrounds aesthetic appeal, create an engaging and visually stimulating environment for children, inspire story sharing and imaginative play and promote creativity. Integrating art into the playground helped to reflect the local culture and history, further connecting children and adults to their community and heritage.

 

 

Whare, designed by architect John Rushton with Francine Spencer, Arowhenua representative the CPlay Design team - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Race to the rescue - Research and Graphic Design by Roselyn Fauth - Photo Geoff Cloake

 

 

 

 

 

Sustainability

It was really important to CPlay, that when there was a more sustainable option, they factored it in to their decision making. In 2023, the 29 year old rubber from the old playground was pulled up, taken to Numats Oamaru Recycling plant and broken down into crumbs so it could be re-used in the new playgrounds black safety surfacing's. CPlay was proud to be the first playground in the country to be able to do this, skip the landfill and re-use.

Some of the equipment was removed and re-sited back into the playground including the rope pyramid and the iconic yellow horse that dates back to the 1961! The old playground equipment went back to the Timaru District Council. They will determine which items they will refurbish and re-use in other playgrounds in the district.

Reasons why sustainability was important to CPlay:

• Environmental Impact: Reduce pollution and carbon emissions.
• Longevity: Build to last, saving money and reducing waste.
• Health and Safety: Use non-toxic materials for child safety.
• Resource Conservation: Reduce waste and re-purpose materials.
• Energy Efficiency: Lower operational costs with efficient features.
• Water Management: Manage storm water and reduce runoff.
• Biodiversity: Enhance local ecosystems with native plants.
• Educational Opportunities: Teach children about sustainability.
• Community Engagement: Foster community pride and involvement.
• Social Responsibility: Set a positive example for the community.

 

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We aim to offer locals and visitors a place to:

• Have fun and free experience.
• Enjoy more challenging and imaginative play to stimulate physical and mental development.
• Play in a safe, strong playground that is resistant to damage and the sea environment.
• Access to equipment and landscaping to suit a range of abilities and ages.
• Learn about our European and Māori heritage, themed to Caroline Bay environment and history.
• Give economic benefits as a flow on effect from a quality inclusive destination playground.

 

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INCLUSIVITY

• Integrated play – inclusive equipment is dual-use and shared.
• Flush and flat or gently sloped surfacing throughout with >90% of ground surface self-accessible to wheelchair.
• A wide range of inclusive play items not just one or two.
• Partial accessibility to large figurehead pieces including access to ship deck & captain’s wheel.
• Tables and chairs designed for inclusivity.
• AAC communication included.
• Parking was reviewed and improved, with new parallel parks to accommodate accessible vans.

 

"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.” - CPlay Volunteer Chris Fauth

 

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LOCATION:
Playground, Caroline Bay, Te Tihi-o-Maru Timaru, South Canterbury New Zealand

 

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HISTORY/HERITAGE

• Themed playground telling part of Timaru’s unique story. Unable to be replicated elsewhere.
• European and Maori maritime story, Maori use of area including mahinga kai, pioneering Timaru spirit.
• Native flora and fauna and local geology and geography elements.
• Locally relevant imagery and storyboards to interest locals and visitors of all ages.

 

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CATERING FOR ALL AGES

• Under 5s. Themed mahinga kai area with mounded ground creating climbing, sliding, rolling elements. Natural textured features, musical elements, rockers/spinners
• 6-10 years. Let’s face it these guys can play on everything and will have the time of their lives across all of our play space
• 10-15 years. Areas, longest flying fox, doubled up for racing. Boat and lighthouse. Challenging ninja/obstacle course elements for competition. Jump touch to test athleticism, large rope snake swings to pile on with friends and get going fast.
• Adults. You will be tempted to give some play stuff a go. Sheltered and shaded tables for families or larger groups, seating throughout, history and heritage elements, storyboards and imagery to pique the interest, and the kids will be well and truly entertained allowing you to have breather. Once you peel yourselves off the trampoline, finish reclaiming your youth on the slide and stop racing the grand kids down the flying fox we promise there will be plenty of other elements to keep you happy and comfortable. The playground include seating, with shade and shelter considered. There will be a large sheltered eating area with a significant number of tables suitable for the family or a larger gathering. 

 

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PLAY PRIORITIES:

Inclusive, Destination Playground, Themed Play.
A redevelopment to replaced "no longer fit for use" equipment. Opportunity to mitigate drainage, improve surfacing for safety and accessibility, offer wider challenges for range of ages, abilities and sizes, and to make the space even more meaningful by themes play to inspire imaginative play and connection to local stories of the communities past.

Key areas:

1. Shipwreck using recyclable steel, aluminium, and NZ-grown timber. It offers an immersive and inclusive play experience that sparks the imagination with features such as the sloping deck, talking tubes, and interactive panels.
2. 10m Tall bespoke Lighthouse Slide Tower included 7m and 5m tube slides, a rock-climbing wall, scramble net, and rope climbing chimney all expertly crafted from sustainable and durable materials. Beneath the tower, a universally accessible area for younger children with an embankment slide and wheelchair-friendly gently sloping mound. 
3. Inka Tuna (Eel) Musical Instruments, Double Embankment Slide Module, Pohutakawa Nature Rocker, Trampoline Pi, Wheelchair Trampoline, Inclusive Carousel, Inclusive Honeycomb Carousel, Inclusive Spinning Bucket and the popular Interactive Musical bridge.
4. Mahika Kai Area; Custom 4m long Mōkihi canoe-shaped seesaw and mahika kai themed under 5s space and whare playhouse fireman pole, double toddler slide, climbing rope net.
5. Floor is Lava / Ninja Fitness Obstacle Course Area (includes a 2.65m Up & Over, 3m Ninja Climbing Wall, Rock Wall, custom Ninja Style Rock Finger Wall as well as Horizontal Totem Pole Fitness Stations.)
6. Sea-rescue themed 50m Double Flying Fox, mouse wheel and 5-9 seater Double Cyclops Snake Swing.
7. Swing seats for infants, toddlers, adults and inclusive seats for playground users with special needs.
8. Sensory garden (path is laid, planting still to come).

Also in the area is a bike skills park, skate park, mini golf and nature play at Caroline Bay. 

 

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BACKGROUND:
CPlay is a community-driven project in the Timaru district, initiated by passionate volunteers who came together to create a unique and free play space.

They had the freedom to design and fundraise independently, collaborating with the Timaru District Council.

The playground was closed in March 2023 after major public events had been held at the bay. The build was over winter to reduce the loss of play to the community over the duration of the new playgrounds construction. CPlay and Timaru District Council had a professional project manager to help over see the project and contractors. Playground Centre and Numat sub contracted as well.

The initial funding for this project came from a $80k contribution from the governments stimulus fund for shovel ready projects. This enabled CPlay to begin it's engagement process with the community and engage the services of The Playground Centre to work on the concepts and design of the play space alongside the CPlay design team. CPlay then applied successfully to the Timaru District Council for funding on two separate occasions for a total of $1.3m. The rest of the funds required to complete the project was raised through funding applications and the community.

The community's support has been crucial throughout the project, from gathering ideas and feedback to fundraising over three years.

The project aims to serve as a model for communities collaborating with their local councils to improve well-being and create lasting entertainment assets.

 

 

CPlay volunteer high viz vests drying in the sun after a fundraising event. - Photo Lynette Wilson

 

Progress on the tuna eel mound with Playground Center equipment and design by Creo. The rubber surfacing was installed by Numat Rec. - Jack Rushton

 

 

 

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, Graphic Design, Research & Playground Design Team
Sarah Mills Project Support
Vicki Gould Project Support
Louise Haley Project Support

CPlay wish to thank our community and consultants who offered their advice and expertise to ensure the playground delivered what the community needed and wanted.

 

PROJECT PARTNERS

• CPlay - Community Volunteers with the support of the Timaru District Council who fundraised and championed the project.
• Finances were managed by Aoraki Foundation, registered charity who accepted CPlay donations and managed receipts and auditing.
• Playground Centre who provided equipment and bespoke Lighthouse slide tower and shipwreck.
• Creo surfacing design.
• Numat REC surfacing installation.
• Rooney Earthmoving, earth moving contractor.
• Curle Construction who installed equipment for Playground Centre. 
• Rushton Architects donated the whare play area design.

 

 

CLIENT: CPlay C/- Timaru District Council

ARCHITECT: A collaboration with CPlay volunteers, Playground Centre and Numat.

TIMEFRAME: Five years from first funding received to planning and consultation by local volunteers with professional playground designers and suppliers. Due to open November 2023.

BUDGET:  3 Million. Fundraised from community individuals, clubs, societies, pre, primary and secondary schools, grants, work in kind, and Timaru District Council.

 

Total Spent: $3,163,503 M

• Miscellaneous includes: Landscaping, shade, fountains,

BBQ, furniture, story sharing elements, whare. security fencing, security cameras, plants etc...
CPlay received work in kind to reduce fees, administration, project management, building marketing costs (design, signage, advertising, social media etc... was donated, next to $0 was spent on marketing.
Our paid contractors also looked for ways to improve efficiencies and reduce costs.
We had a core budget and additional valuable add-on’s that we were willing to reduce if necessary.

 

FUNDS RAISED:  Total Funds Raised $3,163,502 M

Over half of the projects income was fundraised by volunteers.

TDC Contribution: $1,406,867 (Stimulus Fund, Long Term Plan, & Infrastructure Funding)

GRANTS: $888,000, $280,000 Trust Aoraki, $275,000 Lotto New Zealand, $250,000 Community Trust Mid & South Canterbury, $50,000 Pub Charity, $20,000 Aoraki Foundation, $10,000 NZCT New Zealand Community Trust, $3,000 Fonterra - Hapori Fund

COMMUNITY DONATIONS: $868,635, the top donors being:
$50,000 Hilton Haulage, $50,000 Oceania Dairy Ltd part of the Yili Group, $50,000 Timaru Civic Trust and $30,000 The Rotary Club of Timaru Charitable Trust

 

 

LOCATION: 3 million years ago, lava flowed like fingers down to what is now the coast and formed reefs and habitat. It was used by Maori for Mahika Kai. In the 1880s a breakwater was constructed to improve the safety and efficiency for ships. The coastline of Caroline Bay at the time was a stony beach under the cliffs. After the Timaru breakwater was constructed, the movement of sand up the coastline was interrupted and started to build in this area. By the 1900s it was developed as a Port Resort to offer recreation and play at the new sandy bay. The current playground is on reclaimed land. Sand with a water table about 900mm below. It is the lowest point at the bay, has a storm water drain and services running aground. At times flooded after significant rain events, and had generally poor drainage. Because of the areas history, it was decided to theme the playground around the creation of the land, Mahika Kai, sea rescue and shipwrecks. Because of our desired inclusivity, we decided not to single out individuals.

 

Comparing Playground Sizes: Margaret Mahy vs. CPlay The Margaret Mahy playground in Christchurch has long held the title of the biggest playground in the southern hemisphere. However, the new destination playground at Caroline Bay in Timaru, set to open on December 10th, might challenge that claim. Inspired by Margaret Mahy, CPlay covers a whopping 18,085.27 m2, including its skatepark. Regardless of who claims the title, both playgrounds offer hours of free fun and lasting memories for their communities.

 

COLLABORATION: 

Volunteers shared concept plans with the community at public events and meetings to refine the themes, and define the needs and wants of the people who would use and benefit from the new play space. A representative from mana whenua Arowhenua the marae of the area joined the volunteer team to ensure meaningful culture inclusion and story sharing. Bringing the community on the journey from the start ensured that the brief was formed by what they wanted and needed from the outset. 

By involving the community in the planning and decision-making process, it also fostered a sense of ownership, unity, and shared vision for the project, resulting in a playground that truly reflected the values and preferences of the people it created to serve.

 

 

CPlay's Rose Festival stand in 2019 - Photography By Roselyn Fauth

 

CPlay held regular meetings with Timaru District Council to ensure a formal relationship, sharing of ideas and resource. They also sent regular E-newsletters to help keep their stakeholders and supporters informed. 

Aoraki Foundation were the registered charity who accepted donations on CPlay's behalf and provided the administration to donors and accountability.

Volunteers relied on the knowledge and skill of the professionals to ensure that equipment was functional, fun, meaningful, practical and worked to New Zealand's safety standards for public playgrounds. Playground Centre also supplied and provided the construction of equipment to check compliance through out the builds.

 

CPlay Design team collaborating with the Playground Centre. 

 

PROCESS:

 

Some of the key steps we took to create the playground

 

Initial Planning and Support

1. Engage Stakeholders: Consult with the community, including Mana Whenua, to gather input and support.
2. Define Objectives: Clearly outline the purpose and goals of the playground.
3. Obtain Approval: Seek support and confirmation from the local council or governing bodies.

Design and Concept Development:

1. Define Project Brief: Create a detailed brief that includes the project’s goals, requirements, and constraints.
2. Develop concepts and gather community feedback.
3. Obtain the necessary initial funding to engage a playground designer and then hire a professional playground designer.
4. Ensure compliance with safety regulations.
5. Budget and Scope: Estimate the scope of work and create a preliminary budget.
6. Consult Experts: Review the brief with experts and individuals with lived experience to ensure inclusivity and safety.
7. Work on design concepts and refine them based on feedback and budget constraints.

Detailed Planning

• Finalize Design: Create detailed working drawings and specifications.
• Select Contractors: Arrange for playground contractors and go through the tendering process.
• Community Feedback: Present the final design to the community for feedback and make necessary adjustments.
• Review Wider Area Accessibility: Ensure people can park and easily access the playground.

Collaboration and Community Involvement

• Share Concept Plans: Volunteers shared concept plans with the community at public events and meetings to refine themes and define the needs and wants of the users.
• Cultural Inclusion: A representative from Mana Whenua Arowhenua, the marae of the area, joined the volunteer team to ensure meaningful cultural inclusion and story sharing.
• Community Ownership: By involving the community in the planning and decision-making process, a sense of ownership, unity, and shared vision for the project was fostered, resulting in a playground that truly reflected the community's values and preferences.
• Regular Council Meetings: CPlay held regular meetings with Timaru District Council to ensure a formal relationship, sharing of ideas, and resources.
• Stakeholder Communication: Sent regular e-newsletters to keep stakeholders and supporters informed.
• Administration Support: Aoraki Foundation acted as the registered charity to accept donations on CPlay's behalf, providing administration to donors and accountability.
• Professional Expertise: Volunteers relied on professionals to ensure the equipment was functional, fun, meaningful, practical, and compliant with New Zealand's safety standards. Playground Centre supplied and provided construction of equipment to check compliance throughout the builds.
• Community Consultation: The brief's outcome from community consultation included:
  • Standard Features: Ordering from a catalog made fundraising, communicating expectations, and locking in costs easier. Playground Centre provided excellent renders to help visualize opportunities for the community and donors.
  • Equipment Selection: Decisions were based on offering users various ways to move, exercise, develop skills, and improve brain function. The range of equipment ensured inclusivity for all ages, sizes, and abilities.
  • Key Features: Layout included unique features such as a "Floor is Lava" obstacle course, themed flying foxes, a lighthouse slide tower, a giant tuna eel mound, a Mahika Kai area for younger children, various swings, and retained original equipment.
  • Theming: Themed playgrounds inspire imaginative play, enhancing children's creativity, cognitive development, storytelling, role-playing, and problem-solving skills.
  • Customized Pieces: Bespoke items like the shipwreck, lighthouse slide tower, flying fox, and mokihi sea saw were developed to share local stories and ensure uniqueness.
  • Inclusivity: Scaled spaces for adults to play and access

Fundraising and Marketing:

1. Plan fundraising campaigns, develop a fundraising strategy and campaign.
2. Promote the project to raise awareness and gather further support.
3. Secure funds through grants, donations, and contributions.
4. Acknowledge contributions and define promises and expectations for recognition of donations, ensuring they are carried out.
5. Keep Supporters and Donors Informed: Provide regular updates to supporters and donors throughout the project.

Funds Raised:

• Total Funds Raised: $3,163,502
• Volunteer Fundraising: Over half of the project's income was fundraised by volunteers.
• TDC Contribution: $1,406,867 (Stimulus Fund, Long Term Plan, & Infrastructure Funding)
• Grants:
  • $888,000
  • $280,000 Trust Aoraki
  • $275,000 Lotto New Zealand
  • $250,000 Community Trust Mid & South Canterbury
  • $50,000 Pub Charity
  • $20,000 Aoraki Foundation
  • $10,000 NZCT New Zealand Community Trust
  • $3,000 Fonterra - Hapori Fund
• Community Donations: $868,635
  • Top donors:
    • $50,000 Hilton Haulage
    • $50,000 Oceania Dairy Ltd, part of the Yili Group
    • $50,000 Timaru Civic Trust
    • $30,000 The Rotary Club of Timaru Charitable Trust

Construction and Installation:

1. Clear the site of old equipment and undertake necessary earth moving.
2. Prepare the site and install equipment.
3. Lay safety surfaces and construct pathways.
4. Incorporate unique art installations by local artists.

Community Engagement and Activation:

1. Host a community launch event.
2. Provide information and guided tours of the playground.
3. Foster ongoing community involvement and maintenance support.

Evaluation and Maintenance:

1. Evaluate project success against objectives.
2. Gather feedback for future improvements.
3. Establish a maintenance schedule for ongoing upkeep.

This version provides a clear overview of the steps taken to build the playground, organized by key phases of the project.

SOLUTION:

Standard features: Being able to order from a catalogue made it easy to fundraise, communicate the expectations and lock in costs. Playground Centre provided excellent renders to help the community and donors visualize the opportunity and what they were getting and what they could choose to donate to.

Equipment selection: The decision making was based on offering playground users a range of ways to move their bodies and exercise, develop skills and improve brain function. It was important to choose a range of equipment so people of various ages, sizes and abilities could play together. And not have the stigma of using a special needs piece of equipment, or having those with special needs miss out being among the fun.

Key features of the playground’s layout, a Floor is lava obstacle course intended for older children and adults. Flying fox, mouse wheel and double flying fox themed to sea rescue. A lighthouse on a mound with a shipwrecking into it. A giant tuna eel mound with many playground equipment items incorporated. A Mahika Kai area intended for younger children. Two areas with variety of swings. The original metal embankment slide stayed as it was. And the rope pyramid was also re-sited. 

Theming the playground: Theming a playground could help inspire imaginative play. This is important because it stimulates children's creativity and cognitive development. It provides a context and narrative for play, encouraging children to engage in storytelling, role-playing, and problem-solving, ultimately enhancing their cognitive and social skills.

Customized pieces:  To help give the playground a point of difference and better share the locals stories, CPlay worked with the design team at Playground Centre to develop bespoke pieces. Bespoke items included the shipwreck, lighthouse slide tower, flying fox and mokihi sea saw. A contractual agreement is in place to ensure these special items remain unique to the Caroline Bay Playground in this area.

CPlay learnt through the community consultation process, that there were many people in our community who were missing out on play. Not just young people but their play supervisors too. It was important to scale the space so an adult could play, and access the equipment and fun as well. This was important to CPlay team, because they learnt that playing with a trusted adult is essential for a child's emotional and social development, fostering strong bonds and teaching vital life skills. These interactions provide a safe space for emotional growth, enhance cognitive and physical development, and serve as a foundation for lifelong learning and healthy relationships.

 

 

Concept development by Playground Centre - Held by CPlay volunteers Leanne Penderville and Owen Jackson (OJ) - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

 A concept model of the playground shows a shipwreck and lighthouse with slides, both nods to Caroline Bay's maritime heritage. 

 

 

 

 A concept model of the playground shows a shipwreck and lighthouse with slides, both nods to Caroline Bay's maritime heritage.

The next stage of the concept plans is to add more detail.

A concept model of how Timaru's new CPlay - Caroline Bay Playground - upgrade project will eventually look.

Looking down on the CPlay concept.

A concept plan of part of the new CPlay playground where children can hide in tunnels.

Concept for the lighthouse slide tower and shipwreck by The Playground Centre. This render was used to help the community visualise the project.

 

Members of the CPlay committee, from left, Owen 'OJ' Jackson, Roselyn Fauth, and Leanne Prendeville with a concept plan buy the Playground Centre and a survey ready to share at Childrens' Day 2021 and the Timaru Artisan Farmers Market on Saturday.. (Timaru Herald File photo). MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE/STUFF

 

 

The Playground Centers case study https://www.playgroundcentre.com/showcases/caroline-bay-playground

 

 

Challenges

• Fundraising.
• Impacts of Covid pandemic on the community, and the projects budget and supply.
• Installation of foundations near the water table.
• Working around inground services.
• Sequencing of equipment supply with other contractors.
• Logistics of bringing equipment from across the world and from Wanganui to Timaru. 

The CPlay team had a great group of contractors to support and help us on our construction journey. And while there were challenges, they managed to come up with solutions for an incredible result.

 "As for the challenges there have been plenty of those as we all know but who wants to dwell on those?  It's all about belief in the people you have around you and knowing they share the same dream to make something special happen. My mantra has always been just one step at a time but true belief that a project as meaningful as this for the well being of our community was always destined to be successful."
- Owen Jackson (OJ), CPlay Chairperson

 

Caroline Bay Playground flooding in the old playground. It is the lowest point at Caroline Bay and in storm events can flood. - Photo Geoff Cloake

 

The playground is situated on reclaimed land, Since 1902, the sand had noticeably accumulated out from the cliffs, as a result of the port's new breakwater that commenced in 1878. The council started to transform this area into a "European style beach resort," and by 1911, annual Christmas carnivals were in full swing. The ground in the playground location is sandy, and the water table lies close to the surface. To address drainage issues and establish robust foundations, the top layer was scraped off, and river run material was brought in. 

LEFT The brown lines show the changes to the mean sea level since 1926. Graphic courtesy Roselyn Fauth 2019 with assistance from the South Canterbury Museum. RIGHT One of the mean tide markers along the North to South promenade at Caroline Bay.  Photograph courtesy Roselyn Fauth 2019

 

Map of Caroline Bay in 1911. Miscellaneous Plans - Borough of Timaru, South Canterbury, 1911 - T.N. Brodrick, Chief Surveyor Canterbury  ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/IE31423732

 

 

 

CPlay meetings to work through all the tasks, fundraising, designing, planning, marketing.

Owen Jackson (OJ) is hopeful in $86,000 in funding from the TDC to jump-start a project to build a new playground. As well as drawing visitors to Timaru, there were also physical, mental, and social benefits to the playground.

 

Timaru District Council tendered for the Playground Upgrade project partners. CPlay collaborated with playground equipment, build and design specialists for several reasons:

• Expertise: Specialists provided the knowledge and experience needed to design safe and engaging play spaces.
• Customization: They tailored designs to fit the community's unique needs and preferences.
• Safety: Specialists prioritized safety, ensuring compliance with regulations and minimizing risks.
• Efficiency: Their management skills ensured projects were completed efficiently and to high quality standards.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While involving upfront costs, their expertise saved money in the long run by avoiding mistakes and reducing maintenance needs.
• Community Engagement: Collaborating with specialists enhanced community involvement and pride in the project."

If something wasn't right, the problem was solved by our contractors, so our volunteers were not liable.

 

The Timaru District Council ensured the protection of playground volunteers and the project by establishing a regular meetings with Council and CPlay representatives. They could oversea the project tenders and procurement, and pay the bills as the asset holder to be responsible for legal, insurance, site safety, documentation etc...

 

Some of our design team Roselyn Fauth, John Rushton, Graham Ward, met with some of the Playground Centre team this afternoon Hamish Smith & Warren Walker. They are waving saying hi to you all from Zoom.. The meeting was to discuss the refinements and confirm the surfacing plans. - Screenshot Roselyn Fauth

 

CPlay volunteers from the design team, Chris Fauth and John Rushton work on the playground path design. The initial work on the playgrounds set out was by John Rushton. - Photo Roselyn Fauth.

 

Creo team work on the CPlay's playground design. The initial work on the playgrounds set out was by John Rushton. Creo then developed this to ensure the location of equipment was perfect so the fall zones didn't over lap. Creo then developed a 50+ page document of working drawings for the contractors to be guided by. - Photo Creo. 

 

Fun for all. The new playground at Caroline Bay can provide opportunity for grandparents and parents to play with children, rather than remaining on the sidelines. - renders by the Playground Centre.

 

Accessible and inclusive. Josh South is pleased to see the proposed $2.2 million playground on Caroline Bay will make it possible for children with disabilities to play alongside their siblings and peers. - renders by the Playground Centre

 

CPlay members Roselyn Fauth and Francine Spencer visit Te Ana Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Centre to look for inspiration on how to share Timaru's Caroline Bay story at the Playground.  - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Chris Fauth meets with Parks and Rec team Bill Steans and Jane Morrison - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Site meeting with Timaru District Council staff. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Meeting with Venture Timaru - Districts tourism and promotions team - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Francine Spencer CPlay, Hamish Pettengell Aigantighe Art Gallery, Cara Fitzgerald Aigantighe Art Gallery, Keely Kroening SC Museum, Chris Fauth CPlay and Roselyn Fauth CPlay meet to discuss the story that can be told in the playground. 

 

 

Geoff Cloake photographs a piece of rock art on display at the Te Ana Rock Art Centre - Roselyn Fauth

 

Zoom meetings with the Playground Centre

 

CPlay committee meeting

 

Weekly Design team meetings 

 

CPlay volunteers John Rushton and Francine Spencer discuss the plans  - Photography By Roselyn Fauth

 

Owen Jackson and Roselyn Fauth meeting Claire at the Timaru Courier newspaper to plan and advertorial that was sponsored by a donor. Regular meetings and information flow to media to help correct and helpful information about the project was available.

 

CPlay volunteers Francine Spencer and Roselyn Fauth meet with Warren Parker from the Playground Centre to source inspiration for the playground designs.

 

Researcher Roselyn Fauth is helping create a new playground inspired by Timaru’s stormy history. FRANK FILM

Timaru’s Caroline Bay used to be known as the Riviera of the South. A wide, sandy beach, it was where Cantabrians would flock (by train) to swim, sunbathe and attend carnivals and concerts. Though it doesn’t quite draw the crowds of ‘Riviera’ times these days, it’s still a beautiful bay, enjoyed by Timaru locals. But it wasn’t always a place of peace, nor of fine golden sand. Rather, Caroline Bay was a place of heaving southerly swells and many a shipwreck. According to Timaru researcher Roselyn Fauth, the story is a good one – and she’s helping plan a new playground to pay tribute to it. Read more here: stuff.co.nz/timarus-caroline-bay-remembering-a-stormy-history

 

 

 
Celebrating the signing of contracts for the new Caroline Bay playground are (from left) CPlay committee chairman Owen Jackson, CPlay member Leanne Prendeville, Timaru District Council parks and recreation manager Bill Steans, CPlay project manager Graham Ward, CPlay members Vicki Gould and Brent Birchfield, and Timaru deputy mayor Steve Wills.

 

On the homeward stretch. Galloping towards the fundraising finish line are CPlay committee mem bers (from left) Lynette Wilson, Chris Fauth, Roselyn Fauth, Owen Jackson, Brent Birchfield and Leanne Prendeville. PHOTO: CLAIRE ALLISON

 

The last day of play at the old playground with Fauth Family with their cousins and friends. - Geoff Cloake 

 

Annabelle Fauth (4) excitingly points to the CPlay banner and can't wait to play. When volunteers Roselyn and Chris Fauth joined the team, Annabelle was a baby in a front pack, and now the playground is ready to open, she has just started school. The project has been nearly a seven year journey, once the team had funds to start tendering, the project took about four years. - Photo Roselyn Fauth 

Ready to start removing equipment - 23 March 2023 - Roselyn Fauth

 

 

Curle Construction on site ready to start removing equipment - 23 March 2023 - Roselyn Fauth

Curle Construction on site ready to start removing equipment - 23 March 2023 - Roselyn Fauth

 

Hilton Haulage on site ready to take away equipment and furniture - 3 April 2023 - Roselyn Fauth

Hilton Haulage move the last of the equipment and furniture off site, ready for the earth movers in March 2023. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

Lots of patient children through out the build have enjoyed coming up to the security fence and seeing their playground be built.

 

 

 

 First phase of earthworks for the floor is lava and sea rescue play areas - Photo Roselyn Fauth 

 

 

First phase almost complete for the floor is lava and sea rescue play areas - South Canterbury Drone Photography

 

 

 Shipwreck and lighthouse slide towers - South Canterbury Drone Photography

 

There were over 30 shipwrecks on Timaru shore, many hero's saved ships and lives over that time. Timaru needed to improve its shipping safety and efficiency otherwise the ships would go to other ports. The ship wrecks and Harbour helped to inspire the CPlay design. The large painting (about four feet in length) of the wreck of 'City of Perth' and 'Ben Venue' at Timaru hung for many years in the Farmers tearooms and now the painting is at the Port Company Offices, Timaru at Marine Parade. The plate below the painting read : The Wreck of the Ben Venue and City of Perth 14 th May 1882. Presented to The Port of Timaru Ltd. By Arthur Bradley. Last surviving son of Issac Bradley a member of the rescue crafts crew. Located at Prime Port - Photo by Roselyn Fauth.

 

Rocket rescue, that was performed many times in Timaru inspired the flying fox design.  A Cry for Help the Life Line from the Shore.  A Cry for Help, the Life-Line from the Shore, Rocket Apparatus used by the Volunteer Life Brigade. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 8 January 1887.

 

 

 

 

Team work from the Rooney Earthmoving team - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Contractor meeting on site - Photography By Roselyn Fauth

CPlay project manager Graham Ward and CPlay team show Mayor Nigel Bowan and Venutre Timaru Chief Executive Nigel Davenport. The Fauth family are excited to see the progress too! - Photo Lynette Wilson

 

CPlay required a professional playground project manager for:

• Coordinating all project aspects efficiently.
• Managing resources effectively.
• Identifying and mitigating risks.
• Facilitating stakeholder communication.
• Ensuring adherence to quality standards.
• Problem-solving to keep the project on track.

 

One of the many project reports that were presented to TDC and the public. The information was prepared by our project manager Graham Ward,

 

 

 

A modern playground design has been inspired by the heroic sea rescue efforts that took place over 160 years ago. The playground, created by the CPlay team in Timaru, aims to connect people to interesting local stories while offering an engaging and educational play experience for children and families.

 

Members of the CPlay design team, John Rushton and Chris Fauth check out the amazing taniwha design on site. The artwork was gifted by Francine Spencer. 

 

Design team on site taking in the progress

 

 

 

 

Artist Francine Spencer with taniwha that she designed for CPlay. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

"The Taniwha artwork adds a playful element to the 50m tandem flying fox, inspiring children and adults to pretend they are on a sea rescue mission. They could be the heros saving those stuck on a sinking ship. Or pretend they are quickly evacuating to reach the safety of the shore. A supernatural creature lurks in the ocean below. While using the flying fox, people could choose, will the taniwha protect them and help them to shore, or will it reach out and grab people with a claw, sting with a tail, or bite with its powerful jaws. This is a really fun element to bring more imaginative play to the equipment, share stories and connect to our local Māori culture," said CPlay volunteer Roselyn Fauth.

The Taniwha artwork is a nod to the importance of the natural world and the spiritual connections that Māori have with it. "Taniwha are considered to be powerful guardians of the land, waterways, and natural features such as mountains, forests, and rivers," said CPlay volunteer and artist Francine Spencer.

 

Shipwreck install July 2023 - Photography By Roselyn Fauth

 

 

Playground Centre rep, Warren Walker and CPlay volunteer Roselyn Fauth check out the new shipwreck that had just arrived on site. - Photo Jack Curle

 

How Warren Walker (Playground Centre Recreation Consultant and South Island Territory Manager) Felt about the CPlay project

• Why did you decide to include a ship in your tender?
  By integrating a shipwreck-themed playground, we aimed to capture the captivating history of Timaru and transform it into a fascinating and immersive experience for all visitors. The concept of the bespoke shipwreck was at the heart of our design, aligning perfectly with the original brief provided by the CPlay team. Our primary focus was to create an inclusive and accessible playground by crafting unique features such as the sloping deck, talking tubes, and inclusive play elements that catered to users of diverse ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone could participate and enjoy the adventure.
  Beyond shaping an entertaining play space, we also steered to transport children into the world of sailors, allowing the children to imagine the challenges and thrills experienced by those arriving in Timaru by sea in the past. This storytelling aspect brings a touch of realism and historical context to the Caroline Bay playground, nurturing inquisitiveness and inculcating a sense of pride about the city's rich maritime heritage.
  
  
• What was involved to create the lighthouse?
  In designing the Lighthouse Tower, we drew our inspiration from the fascinating details of the Blackett’s lighthouse. We incorporated these significant elements as the base for the tube slides and other play features that sought to pay homage to Timaru’s rich maritime history. Stepping into the shoes of the lighthouse keepers, children can imagine the challenges and delights they experienced while safeguarding sailors along the coast. This promises a great immersive storytelling aspect that both entertains and educates.
  With the Lighthouse Tower and the Ship Wreck as standout play features,  we’re infusing a unique charm to the play space and transforming it to be a standout testament to Timaru's rich maritime heritage, enchanting locals and visitors alike.
  
  
• What challenges did you have, and how did you over come them?
  From a design perspective, perhaps the biggest challenge when working on bespoke elements for a playground is designing something that will be easy to manufacture, cost effective, adhere to engineering standards and look and function exceedingly well. Often, this approach will require input from all parties involved so we can agree on the best solution.
  The project encountered number of challenges but, budget constraints was a significant one. Despite that, limitations spurred creativity, emphasizing priorities to achieve the desired outcome effectively. As the detailed design phase commenced, project management from the client's perspective became essential. CPlay brought in the expertise of Graham Ward, resolving this challenge efficiently. His involvement streamlined communication and coordination. Working together with Graham, we found innovative ways to deliver an exceptional result and successful realisation of the project's vision.

• What it is like to work with the community to create their playground, and what did the sharing and collaboration of ideas bring to the project?
  Working with the CPlay group was a wonderful collaborative approach that is successfully achieving a fantastic result.
  My first challenge was to capture the brief, the huge passion, and the vision of what the CPlay team were setting out to achieve, and then collaboratively work with our inhouse Design team to create some exciting conceptual ideas to present back to the community. This process opened a passage to be able to draw on the wide range of creative skills and experience of our team at Playground Centre, who dedicate themselves daily to designing world-class play spaces. It was important to us to ensure that the design of the playground was client driven,  to be an attractive destination that is unique to Timaru that will draw the community & visitors to experience more than just a playground but also provide an educational journey that will bring back to life (figuratively speaking),  some of the history that has made Timaru what it is today.
  Also as it will be catering to a large volume of persons of all ages & abilities it was important that we provided elements that ALL can enjoy which Playground Centre - as leaders in the Inclusive Play industry in New Zealand - were also able to offer some of the best options available on the market and also ensuring compliance to the applicable Playground Safety standards.
  For me it has truly been a special & humbling experience & journey engaging with the history of the Timaru region and learning about how it has come to be the significant port city that it is today which Im thankful to say  is without a doubt, now already shining through in this fantastic destination playground as it is being constructed at Caroline Bay which I am certainly looking forward to bringing my family to one day!

• How did it feel to visit the playground recently and see the progress for yourself?
  Personally,  it gave a high feeling of satisfaction that we are achieving our initial promise to the CPlay group, to help them to create a Destination Playgrounds that is amongst the best in New Zealand and is unique to Timaru. I also feel a deep appreciation to the Timaru community for trusting Playground Centre and for providing us with this opportunity of showcasing our design & build expertise and capability right here in New Zealand.

• How do you feel this stacks up with projects you have been involved with? (i.e. is this a destination playground in your view)
  Personally, this was by far the best project in which I have been heavily involved, and I was thankful to be surrounded by an experienced, supportive team here at Playground Centre that I could draw on for the various demands that come with a project of this size. Certainly, Caroline Bay Playground is an all-inclusive and attractive destination playground for people well outside the immediate community.  Evaluating this project with other destination parks we had done over the years, the Caroline Bay Playground extensively utilised our expertise on bespoke design services, which is fantastic to see and also, highlights our ability to overcome challenges with solid creativity and success.

 

Timaru was getting a reputation as a ship graveyard. Over 16 years 28 ships were wrecked. To improve safety and efficiency of the early maritime trade, Timaru constructed a breakwater.
The Port had helped shaped the stories and identity of Caroline Bay. 

CPlay volunteers tendered to five playground designers including Timaru's stories in the brief. They shared the concepts with the community at public events and meetings. The shipwreck design was by far the most popular, and was one of the contributing reasons why CPlay chose to work with the team at Playground Centre.

The ship was constructed by the Playground Centre in Wanganui, and in July 2023, literally flew into position thanks to a lift from a crane with the masts being erected a week later.

• Timaru was getting the reputation as a ship graveyard with 28 shipwrecks in 16 years.
• To improve maritime trade safety, efficiency and capacity, Timaru built a breakwater, shaping Caroline Bay's identity.
• Community feedback guided playground design for all ages and abilities.
• CPlay volunteers tendered for playground designs, emphasizing Timaru's stories.
• Cplay shared the 5 concepts at public events and social media. The shipwreck concept was a hit among the community, leading CPlay to choose Playground Centre.
• Shipwreck design was a collaboration by CPlay and Playground Centre.
• Playground Centre in Wanganui designed, created working drawings and built the ship, trucked to Timaru in flown into position by crane.
• Ancient Romans put coins on ship keels for luck, a tradition seen at CPlay.
• A mound was constructed to add a ramp access to the top deck.
• A lighthouse will be installed on the mound with slides.
• The shipwreck theme is echoed in other areas of the playground as sea rescue.

 

 

 

 

Staff at The Playground Centre in Whanganui inspect the design, manufacture and construction of the four-story lighthouse slide tower for the new Caroline Bay Playground. The frame was pre› assembled in order to check the fit and run through safety and quality checks. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

 

 

Throughout the project, we focused on creating a vibrant and enduring play space by choosing the Playground Centre's premium coating option, "HURRICANE GALV," to safeguard the playground's steel structures against corrosion and degradation. This coating, applied after hot-dip galvanizing, ensured lasting protection from rust and deterioration, crucial in a salt-laden environment like Caroline Bay. By opting for galvanized steel, which is 100% recyclable, and employing quality control measures during fabrication and assembly to make sure we were creating a sustainable legacy for our community.

 

 

The lighthouse slide tower arriving in Timaru with Caroline Bay Playground, Caroline Bay, and the Southern Alps in the distance - Photo Playground Centre

 

1980 Photograph of the lighthouse being relocated from The Terrace to Te Weka St. Courtesy of South Canterbury Museum CN: 2014/107.73 And the new lighthouse tower inspired by the Blackett Lighthouse being lifted into place 2023. - Photography by Roselyn Fauth

 

Curle Construction team bring the Playground Centre's lighthouse onto site - Photo Playground Centre

CPlay lighthouse lifted into position with the help of 360 Cranes & Haulage - Photo South Canterbury Drone Photography

 

Hilton Haulage Lowering the Lighthouse Crown - Roselyn Fauth

 

Curle Construction team bring the Playground Centre's lighthouse onto site. Left Reese Drozdowski - Play ground installer, Right Jack Curle - Play Ground installation foreman - Photo Geoff Cloake

 

"Working on the Cplay project has been such a privilege for the Curle Contracting team to be apart of. From when we first started the dismantlement of the old playground way back in March, to now at the end of October putting together the final pieces of play equipment. What a change! The new playground is such an asset for Caroline bay and the surroundings of Timaru. We are proud to have been a helping hand in the construction of this Playground and cant wait for future generations to enjoy." - Jack Curle - Curle Construction - Play Ground installation foreman

Curle Construction Team:

• Jack Curle - Play Ground installation foreman
• Greg Peacock - Play ground installer
• Reese Drozdowski - Play ground installer
• Norman Lee - play ground installer

 

Numat REC Team:

• Mike Senior, Construction Manager.
• Andy Wraight, Project Manager.
• Shannon Vince, Project Coordinator.
• Matt Wraight, Site Team Leader.
• Bruce Alderson, Machinery Operator/Installer.
• Kelvin Firman, Carpenter/Installer Bart Geypen , Site Team Leader.
• Marcus Dompeling, landscaper/Installer. Lofi Lataveo/Installer

 

Numat REC team applying the colourful surfacing to cover the black rubber safety surface underneath. - Photo Jack Rushton

 

 

Creo team work - nearing the end of the pile of pallettes and packets of rubber! - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Some fun facts from Creo...

• 21 weeks onsite 5 people on average.
• 3530 people hours.
• 9019 litres of resin.
• 850 m2 of turf.
• 72350 kg of recycled shock rubber.
• 37600 kg of tpv topcoat rubber.
• Over 1800 m3 of spoil removed from site.
• 350 m3 of cement stabilized gravel for mounds.
• 250 m3 of aggregate gravel for other base prep.

 

 

 

 

Pohatu-koko stream that is piped under the playground is acknowledged by name in the play surfacing. Behind is the mahika kai themed space including the whare. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

 

Ensuring Playground Safety: Our dedicated safety auditor, Trish, meticulously inspects every detail to ensure compliance for a safe and enjoyable play environment.

 

We had independant playground safety auditor with us for the journey to make sure if there were problems, we could address them early.

 

 

Artists at Work: Bringing Vibrancy to the Playground with Unique Art Installations and Designs

 

Francine Spencer with the taniwha design that she gifted to the playground. - Photo by Roselyn Fauth

Francine Spencer's tribal affiliations are her father; Taranaki, Mother; Waitaha, Kati Mamoe; Rapuwai, and Ngāi Tahu). She is a multimedia artist and a Arowhenua representative. She studied at Toihoukura in Gisborne, Māori Visual art and design, where she learnt traditional knowledge and practice's Māori. Leaving with a degree in fine arts. "We were brainstorming ideas of what images we could include in the flying fox area, and I knew a taniwha would be perfect, so I donated my taniwha drawing for CPlay to incorporate," Spencer said. When asked about how her art has been inspired, she said "My art is not mine, but the art of my people."  There are hundreds of centuries-old rock art sites in South Canterbury. One of the more well known rock art sites is at Opihi. Her tīpuna created rock art and utilized the area for mahika kai (the collection of resources). Some say the art here depicts taniwha, a mythical monster of Māori tradition, which was described as a gigantic reptile lurking in deep pools. 

 

High five for the new slides by Owen Jackson (OJ) - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Amazing surface install by the team from Numat. The layout and surfacing design was a team effort with CPlay volunteers and Creo. The Lighthouse was designed and constructed by The Playground Ground Centre - Photo South Canterbury Drone Photography. - Photo Jack Rushton

 

Amazing surface install by the team from Numat.  Looking out across to Caroline Bay, Timaru - Photo Jack Rushton

 

Race to the rescue - Research and design by Roselyn Fauth - Photo Geoff Cloake

 

 

Some of the CPlay volunteers children test out the horse that was re-sited from the old playground. It was installed in 1961. -  Photo Geoff Cloake

 

 

Playground looking over to the bike skills park - a project by the Timaru Suburban Lions. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 
View from a Te Koka (Cabbage Tree) across the mahika kai area

 

 

Getting closer to opening to the public - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

 

 

New designated accessible parking was created at Caroline Bay playground. The upgrade included new parallel parks at the north entrance of the playground. The footpath curb was removed and replaced with a smooth ramped transition from road to path. The parks are longer to accommodate accessible vans, and are parallel, so people can unload from the rear of the van as well as the side.
Accessible parking helps contribute to an inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities so we can play together.

 

Owen Jackson (OJ) with safety auditor Trish Wigley stand on the frangipani rocker. The flower is a nod to the people of the pacific, the origins of Maori, and the area where the tuna eels go to spawn. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

 

The playground has always been about the children, and bringing people together. We are proud to help bring all of our people and cultures together, including; Arowhenua, Waihao and Moeraki Runanga.

 

 

Progress as of 16 November 2023 - Photo South Canterbury Drone Photography

Progress as of 16 November 2023 - Photo South Canterbury Drone Photography 

 

  

 

 

2023-04-01 - First Drone image of the site works - Photo Jack Rushton

 

2023-10-30 - First Drone image of the site works - Photo Jack Rushton

 

Haami Rahui who was the Kaikorero (cultural connector) with whakapapa (ancestry) to both Te Runanga o Arowhenua and Te Aitarakihi, blesses the mauri stone - Photo Geoff Cloake

Representatives celebrate - Photo Geoff Cloake

 

From Left athe back: Leanne Prendeville, Louise Haley, Roselyn Fauth, Chris Fauth, Brent Birchfield, Alice Brice Grant, and Vicki Gould. Front Row: Lynette Wilson, Owen Jackson (OJ), Francine Spencer, and Sarah Dumicich-Mills. Absent: Graham Ward and John Rushton.

 

 

Social Media post shared by Timaru District Council to invite people to a public free event to celebrate the new playground 

 

Ready for play, the crowd arrive to experience the playground for the first time.

 

Celebratory cake!

 

The playground project has become deeply personal to our committee, because we learnt how important play was, and how many people were missing out, or not being able to participate in play in a meangingful way. It was became very clear it was valuable to strive to something exceptional. Play can make a big impact in our community and visitors lives.  - Roselyn Fauth

 

Some of the many students that have visited the playground with the schools.

 

A group group of 43 Year 10 students from Timaru Boys High School having a great day out from the class room at the new playground at Caroline Bay - Photo Phil Robertshaw

 

Alice Solace, Rebecca Jackson, Sharleyne Diamond and and friends enjoy the new Playground Center Cyclops swing 

 

Playground Center Staff member tries out the new playground with the kids. This is a 4m long seesaw that was customized for CPlay as a nod to a mokihi woven raft. - Photo Playground Centre

 

 

Playground Power: Boosting Tourism and Supporting Local Businesses in Timaru

 

Local restaurant helped fundraise for the playground, and are now that the playground is open, they are seeing the impact on their business.
"We have had families come into the restaurant that said they made to stop in Timaru while traveling to Christchurch or Dunedin just to check out the new playground and have decided to stay for lunch. The impact to the local community is more than a great new playground, its an asset that supports local business and markets the town to a larger group of people. Many of these families are multi-generational too." - Clarissa Doran, The Oxford Restaurant 

 

Timaru Air Cadets Facebook post for CPlay

 

 

 

CPlay introduced risk-taking elements into the playground environment by incorporating challenging obstacles, such as climbing structures and balance beams, encouraging children to push their boundaries and develop their physical skills. This approach transformed the way people played by fostering resilience, confidence, and a sense of adventure among participants. As a result, children became more adept at assessing risks, problem-solving, and engaging in cooperative play, leading to enriched play experiences and enhanced overall development. This successful integration of risk-taking elements not only upped the game on the playground experience but also empowered individuals to embrace challenges and cope/thrive in dynamic environments, ultimately promoting holistic growth and well-being.

• Low log wall to step across
• Loose river rocks in a swale
• Tuna (eel) balance beams that are curved and change heights
• Small to epic sizes slides
• Fitness area to build strength
• Obstical course to offer challenge with heights suitable for adults to play too
• Fast flying fox 

You only need to visit and watch to see how much the community is enjoying their visit to the playground at Caroline Bay. It was important to us to collect feedback so we could use this in our debrief. We did this by talking to people at the playground, reading feedback on social media, and encouraging the community to submit their experience via our feedback form. Thank you to the overwhelming positive feedback we've received. We have loved seeing the kids having so much fun. The impact of the playground goes far into our community. From proud community members who witnessed the playground's development and now enjoys seeing their family and friends have so much fun, to educators who recognize the playgrounds educational value and potential for play-based learning. Food service and accommodation providers have observed increased tourism and business support attributed to the playground's draw. The playground's inclusive design and interactive features, are making it a destination for friends and families of all ages and backgrounds. CPlay is not only a source of joy and recreation but also a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives who as a big team can shape vibrant and enriching public spaces.

Read more to see some of the feedback we have recieved.

Read more: Feedback from our community

 

 

 

 

First family to play when the security fences were removed. Photo: Roselyn Fauth

Quality father and daughter time with Chris and Medinella (9) Fauth - Photo Geoff Cloake

One of the first families to come and play at the new playground and test it out before the security fences came down. Photo: Venture Timaru

School visit to the playground with educator from the South Canterbury Museum. Photo: Roselyn Fauth

Siblings Ruben Cloake and Annelies Bray have a race on the 50m tandem flying fox. Photo: Geoff Cloake

 

Marthy Cloake and grandaughter swing together on the expression swing by Playground Centre. Photo: Geoff Cloake

Team from fire and emergency in Timaru test out the floor is lava obstical course. Photo Roselyn Fauth

Police pop in for a slide while a school class watches on. Photo: Roselyn Fauth

Looking ship shape and ready for play. Photo: Todd Mudie Group.

 

Ship deck can be accessed by a ramp on a mound, so everyone can have fun steering the ship, ringing the bell and using the talker to give orders to the ship crew. Photo: Roselyn Fauth

Tongan Society met at the playground to use the free electric BBQs and play. Photo: South Canterbury Tongan Society. 

Bouncing on the accessable trampoline by Playground Centre. - Photo supplied

Balancing on the mokihi seesaw by Playground Centre - Photo Playground Centre.

 

Teenagers rock the swing - Photo: Geoff Cloakie

Cyclops swing entertaining the ladies. Photo supplied

 

Young family enjoy the slides. Photo: Venture Timaru

It was clear from community consultation that we could do more than just picking some items out of a catalogue and adding a rectangle of play surface below. The community wanted an inclusive space where children, adults, and supervisors could play together without the stigma of specialized equipment or be limited by their size, age or ability. Apart from the mouse wheel, there wasn't much of a play offering to the older kids, and even adults were limited to what they could play on with their kids due to their size. There was also an opportunity to be inspired by stories of the area and share the local culture, histories, and connections to the sea, a place where imaginative play and storytelling could be prompted.

Playground equipment current at Caroline Bay Playground, some will be re-used or re-purposed. (Note the paddling poo, courts areas were not included in the CPlay project. The bike skills park area was a project championed by the Timaru Suburban Lions. Photo's By Roselyn Fauth

 

 

The old accessible swing, which was inside a fence - Photo Roselyn Fauth 

 

CATERING FOR ALL AGES

• Under 5s. Themed mahinga kai area with mounded ground creating climbing, sliding, rolling elements. Natural textured features, musical elements, rockers/spinners
• 6-10 years. Let’s face it these guys can play on everything and will have the time of their lives across all of our play space
• 10-15 years. Areas, longest flying fox, doubled up for racing. Boat and lighthouse. Challenging ninja/obstacle course elements for competition. Jump touch to test athleticism, large rope snake swings to pile on with friends and get going fast.
• Adults. You will be tempted to give some play stuff a go. Sheltered and shaded tables for families or larger groups, seating throughout, history and heritage elements, storyboards and imagery to pique the interest, and the kids will be well and truly entertained allowing you to have breather. Once you peel yourselves off the trampoline, finish reclaiming your youth on the slide and stop racing the grandkids down the flying fox we promise there will be plenty of other elements to keep you happy and comfortable. The playground will be full of seating, with shade and shelter considered. There will be a large sheltered eating area with a significant number of tables suitable for the family or a larger gathering. 

 

AAC Communication Sign by Talk Link was installed, the design includes Te Reo in our local Kai Tahu dialect. The sign is an aid for those who are non verbal so they can communicate visually. The sign also raises the awarenss in the wider community that people can communicate in different ways.  - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Talker Tubes were included so people can communicate from ground level to other areas that may not be able to access. 

 

We added playpanels to the inside of the ship so people had a quite shadey space to playtogether, these are also an ideal height for people who use wheel chairs or have limited mobility. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Slide was added to the mound, so people who had limited mobility, could access the top via a ramp. We added a wee seat at the bottom for a person to wait while a caregiver came down the mound to help them perhaps get into a wheel chair for another slide.

 

Incorporated a variety of special equipment so people had more options to play.  

 

Paracyclist Jono Nelson posted a video of him trying out the playground for the first time, said he felt like a kid again.

 

 Marthy Cloake uses the Playground Centers expression swing with her grandaughter at the Caroline Bay playground - Photo Geoff Cloake

 

 

Accesable trampoline

 

Mother and daughter enjoy using the accessable trampoline

 

Interactive bridge

 

Muscial instruments for sensory fun

 

Accessable double BBQ so a wheel chair user can reach the cooking surface.

 

 

Even if you are 6.8ft you can play!

 

The deck of the ship can be accessed by the ramp in the mound

 

Hard and smooth transitions from various surfaces so people can move around the playground freely. The bark area will be developed into a garden including shady trees to sit under.  We also left the centre area clear of furnture so people can use the area for pop up events, to kick a ball etc...

 

Bespoke furnture, the bench on the side the kids are sitting on has a space so a wheel chair user could sit in the centre. The table is large to accomodate a crowd. 

"Through our community consultation we learnt that we wanted to fit more bums on seats, so these are 3m long and quite wide to accommodate a little crowd, space for a wheel chair user, and give supervisors a perch while people play at the Tuna Eel Mound area. We are so happy with them, thank you to Aaron from Vulcan / Ullrich who helped design these and made this happen. Vulcan / Ullrich supplied and donated the seating and leg material, Hank, from Truweld fabricated and assembled the seating, all local supporters of C-Play. The seat tops and legs were painted by Christchurch Powder Coating, (they pushed the job forward just for the C-Play project!)". - CPlay volunteer Roselyn Fauth

 

Enhancing Accessibility: New Designated Parking at Caroline Bay Playground Supports Inclusivity and Better Access for All

The new designated accessible parking at Caroline Bay playground marks a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all visitors. As seen in the photo, the upgraded parking area features spacious parallel parks near the north entrance of the playground, ensuring ease of access for individuals with limited mobility. The smooth ramped transition from the road to the footpath eliminates barriers, allowing wheelchair users and those with mobility aids to navigate effortlessly. With longer parking spaces designed to accommodate accessible vans and provisions for rear and side unloading, the upgrade ensures that individuals requiring special assistance can enjoy the playground experience with convenience and dignity. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can play together, regardless of their abilities. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Security camers have a live feed to the community watch house - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

 

Breaking Barriers: Adults and Teenages Embrace Play at the New Playground, Overcoming Previous Accessibility Challenges

 

Police get some tips from 14 year old Judah Kenner for the floor is lava obstical course themed to our local geology

 

Local fire and emergency team working together to get over the nets on the floor is lava obstical course

 

 

 

We wanted to create a space that blends fun, inclusivity, challenge, and meaning. Throughout we also considered sustainability as a criterion for decision making. This wasn’t just material and resource decisions. We also integrated nature into design, play and learning. By immersing visitors in stories of local environment we can foster and promote deeper connections to environment, culture, and sustainable living.

We carefully selected materials, repurposed old playground equipment, and partnered with eco-friendly contractors and suppliers. For instance, we recycled the former playground rubber surfacing, saving costs while diverting waste from landfills. We reused multiple play items and furniture from the previous playground.

Over 95% of play equipment was crafted in New Zealand, reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation. We chose materials like New Zealand pine from sustainably managed forests and UV-resistant plastics that are fully recyclable. Additionally, we repurposed old furniture and collaborated with local manufacturers to create new pieces. Timber from the port's old wharf was repurposed into boat-shaped furniture, supporting sustainability and local heritage.

Environmental themes are woven into the playground design, educating visitors about local geology, flora, fauna, and culture. We worked collectively with mana whenua, museum and school educators, to incorporate educational elements and advocate for environmental awareness. For example, a large-scale tuna/eel links to creation, migration and mahika kai stories.

We planted many new tree’s and shrubs in the playground providing future shade, linking to stories (native and mahika kai species), providing rain gardens, and integrating nature, play and development.
Financial sustainability was prioritized through durable material choices that increase design life and therefore reduce replacement and removal wastage. For example we opted for concrete over asphalt for longevity and carefully managed drainage to prevent water pollution. Additionally, we used ACM aluminium signage with anti-graffiti coatings for durability and recyclability.

Our space is at its core inclusive, fun and meaningful to a diverse range of the community. It is free, always available, and enables long-stays and gathering. These elements lead to a sustainable social benefit to the community.

“The creation of a vibrant and inclusive playground aligns with this Government’s objectives of stronger communities and actively promotes the wellbeing of our region.” James Meager MP for Rangitata.

Our project reflects a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing environmental, financial, and social aspects. We aim to inspire others to prioritise sustainability in their projects and to learn about our local environment while engaging with our space.

 

Read more: Sustainability was really important

 

We brought community story telling into the play space. 

CPlay integrated community storytelling through large and detailed whimsical design to promote discovery learning. These details, tied to local geology, culture, and history, offered locals and visitors the opportunity to uncover hidden surprises over time, enhancing their engagement and connection to the space. The cohesive themes and designs of bespoke play items, structures, and surfacing provided sensory stimulation and fueled imaginative play. These elements were further reinforced through park signage and extended along coastal trails, enriching the overall community experience. The self-directed nature of play nurtured a sense of ownership in learning, with educators utilizing these features in both classroom and museum settings. Through thoughtful design, our playground not only facilitated fun and learning but also contributed to community well-being by promoting active engagement and critical thinking skills.

 

• Artistic details increase engagement and capture attention.
• Self-directed play fosters a sense of pride and responsibility in learning.
• Active interaction with equipment improves retention of learning.
• Problem-solving activities during play promote critical thinking skills.
• Thoughtful design enhances fun, learning, and community well-being.

 

Traditional playgrounds are usually a piece of equipment on minimum safety surface. There isn't any open play or story telling. While providing a space for physical activity and play, often have limitations and drawbacks:

• Limited Accessibility: may not be accessible to individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges due to the design of equipment and surfacing and also the paths and access site wide.
• Lack of Inclusivity: Traditional playgrounds may not cater to the diverse needs and interests of all children, including those with sensory sensitivities or different abilities.
• Static Design: The fixed design may limit imaginative play and exploration, leading to boredom and disengagement over time.
• Minimal Educational Value: Focus solely on physical play, missing opportunities to incorporate educational elements or promote cognitive development.

 

Ways we worked to make the new playground even more fun and meaningful was to:

• Innovative Design: Feature innovative and creative designs that incorporate a variety of play elements, such as climbing structures, slides, swings, sensory play areas, and interactive features for imaginative play and exploration.
• Inclusive Features: Designed with inclusivity in mind, incorporating accessible equipment and surfacing to accommodate individuals of all ages and abilities. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and allows children of different backgrounds and abilities to play together.
• Safety Enhancements: Prioritize safety by adhering to updated safety standards and guidelines. This may include the use of impact-absorbing surfacing materials, rounded edges, and improved fall protection measures, reducing the risk of injuries during play. But also make sure there are options for risk and challenge so people can learn to assess risk.
• Educational Opportunities: Integrate educational elements, such as themed play structures, interactive panels, and informational signage to promote learning and development while children engage in play and have fun, fostering cognitive skills and curiosity.

 

We met with a wide range of educators to understand how the playground could provide educational value. 

https://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/

 

One of our volunteers even did a course with National Geographic into learning how to teach young people the explorer mindset https://blog.education.nationalgeographic.org/2021/09/23/in-need-of-professional-learning-worthy-of-an-explorer-create-your-own/

This was the way we used to play. We had the odd comment here and there... "what was wrong with the playground of the 1960s". We learnt that there was a lot that could be better. - CPlay Volunteer Roselyn Fauth

 

 Caroline Bay Playground in 1970s - South Canterbury Museum: CN 2020/064.05

 

South Canterbury Museum educator Keely Kroening gives the first educational school visit in the new playground 21 February 2024. The students were taught about mahika kai and tuna (eel) in the local area. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Read more: Design details for story sharing

Bringing education to the play

We met with many educators to learn about how the playground could be a space for them to educate.

• CPlay volunteers aimed to align with the New Zealand education curriculum, which emphasizes the inclusion of local content about the world around children.
• They integrated indigenous knowledge, local flora and fauna, and cultural elements into the design of the public playground.
• Interactive signage and exhibits were created to educate children about the natural environment and indigenous culture, in line with curriculum objectives.
• Nature-based play activities were developed to engage children with their surroundings and promote learning through exploration.
• Community engagement initiatives were implemented to involve local residents in the development and maintenance of the playground, ensuring ongoing relevance to the community and its educational goals.
• Overall, the volunteers worked to create a playground experience that not only provided fun and recreation but also enriched children's understanding of their local environment and cultural heritage.

We learnt about the New Zealand Curriculum: https://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/

 

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The Explorer Mindset

One of our volunteers did a course on developing the explorer mind set with National Geographic to understand how we could bring education value to play space. https://blog.education.nationalgeographic.org/
We learnt from the National Geographic Explorer mindset, that we could integrate natural elements, educational signage, and interactive exhibits to encourage children to explore and appreciate the environment. Sensory experiences and nature-based play activities were incorporated to stimulate curiosity and creativity. Environmental awareness programs were organized, and the community was involved in maintaining and developing the playground. Together, these efforts aimed to foster a deeper connection to nature and inspire future generations of explorers.

 

 

How we are activating the play space

 

We opened the playground in December 2023 and since then have been liasing with groups and offering free guided tours to help people connect to the stories and history that have inspired the playground. We created a free handout the people can print off them selves, as well as created resources that educators can use in their class before visiting the playground so when they arrive, the learning can be even more meaninful through play.

 

Fostering a deep connection to our past while preparing them for a vibrant future.

 

Schools are visiting the playground with local museum educators to facilitate lessons at Caroline Bay's new themed playground.We intertwined local histories and stories into the playground, but this is also intertwined in New Zealands education curriculum. It's not just about teaching from a standard curriculum; it's about embracing our unique identity and responding to the priorities, preferences, and issues of our community and our people. By anchoring our lessons in our local heritage, we can ensure that every child's educational experience is meaningful and relevant. Educators can utilieing the New Zealand curriculum as their framework, to include the strengths of all our learners, fostering a deep connection to our past while preparing them for a vibrant future.

 

The South Canterbury Museum educators visit the playground with a school class to deliver a mahika kai lesson. The whare themes and information panel was perfect location to help student learn about the world around them. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

School education lesson in the whare, learning about tuna (eels)  - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

School class visit and have fun playing, pretending their ship is in trouble with museum educator Keely Kroening. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Waimataitai held a after school meet the teacher event. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Visit with CPlay volunteer Roselyn Fauth to learn about the history of the Bay. 

 

Some of the many students that have visited the playground with the schools. - Supplied by Waimataitai School

 

Artworks made in Mrs Perry's class at Waimataitai School.

 

Students artwork at Waimataitai School as part of their learning about Caroline Bays history in class as preparation for a playground education class visit.

 

Auckland Weekly News:  Wreck Of Sailing Ships Benvenue and City of Perth On May 10, 1882, At Timaru Auckland Libraries Heritage Collection: 19340711-41-02 See original here

 

 

The Tongan Society South Canterbury held their fanau (family) picnic as their last gathering for the 2023 year at CBay Playground. They told us they were proud to have been part of the CPlay design consultation, and appreciate seeing the link to Pacifica Peoples through the tropical flower, the frangipani.

 Photos - Sina Latu, South Canterbury Tongan Society

 

A group group of 43 Year 10 students from Timaru Boys High School having a great day out from the class room at the new playground at Caroline Bay - Photo Phil Robertshaw

 

 

 

CPlay volunteer Roselyn Fauth giving a guided tour to Timaru's Rotarians - Feb 2024 - Photo Lynette Wilson

 

Now that the playground has opened we are turning our focus to activating the play space and helping people connect to the stories and histories that inspired the playground. We have hosted many guided tours, hand outs, signage, website, and created education resources to help share the information

 

South Canterbury Museum Staff and Educators on a Guided Tour Around Playground with CPlay volunteer Roselyn Fauth - Photo Keely Kroening

 

South Canterbury Museum Educator Keely Kroening giving a playground history tour. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

"Empowering Education through Playground-Based Learning Success"

"The curriculum refresh for primary and secondary schools has a local focus, this includes Te Ao Māori, local history and natural history. For us in South Canterbury topics that are of great interest are the natural environment (geology), migration (Māori and European), mahika kai (food trails) and how the town developed and why. All of these topics are covered by the playground.

Play based learning is also something schools are interested in as research shows that this helps with everything from reading and writing to math's. Our approach in using the playground to run education sessions is to let the children play, tell them some of the history/knowledge behind the playground construction and then let them play again including the new knowledge that they have gained.

We have a number of schools that book in each year for an amazing race at Caroline Bay where they find clues about Timaru’s history. We are planning to extend this to included parts of the playground so that Māori history in also included.

At this stage we have two schools booked in to trial our new programme based at the playground. They are Waimataitai School (5 classes of new entrance to year 2 students approx. 80 students) and Beaconsfield school (approx. 100 students), the juniors are based at the playground and the seniors will visit the playground and then complete a historic walk in the CBD to link our early history with our more modern history. The plan is to use these trials to advertise to other schools how C-Play can be used as a teaching tool." - Keely Kroening South Canterbury Museum Educator

 

Roselyn Fauth and Owen Jackson show Karl Te Raki and MP James Megar around the new playground

 

CPlay volunteers Owen Jackson (OJ) and Roselyn Fauth gave Timaru Districts visitor promotion agency team Venture Timaru, a tour through the playground to help devise a communication and marketing plan to promote the playground nationally as a destination.  - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Sport South Canterbury filming in the playground to share stories about the new space - Photo Roselyn Fauth

Community was at the heart of every aspect of the project.

The vision for a destination playground and the CPlay committee originated from community volunteers.
CPlay engaged mana whenua early, who recommended a representative to CPlay who became a core part of our design team.

Before fundraising, or design, CPlay held over 30 meetings with community representatives. These were blue skies conversations around community needs and wants that informed our design principles. Conversations were with health, youth, education, cultural, sports, arts and heritage, age concern, disability, families, children, tourism, business, service clubs and more. Many relationships continued through our years long project. Some highlights originating from engagement included:

• Mana whenua representative gifting a taniwha design for the playground surfacing.
• Three local iwi approving the replication of rock art imagery in a gathering area (this replication is a first for a free public space in South Canterbury).
• Secondary school children told us playgrounds weren’t challenging. They sought difficulty and competition. This led to a floor is lava obstacle course – an instant hit that bought older children back to playing.
• Child health specialists and families with members with disability talked about inclusiveness – not just doing the minimum, but integrating inclusivity into all design. This led to flat, flush surfacing; numerous inclusive/accessible play items; integrated play so all abilities play together; wheelchair access to a large-scale bespoke item (the shipwreck deck).
• Including AAC Communication signage –  a first for a South Canterbury public space.
• Including art and education, linking school curriculum and local history into play, enabling out of classroom learning.
• Installing a collage of children’s artworks in collaboration with the local art gallery.  

We attended (with displays), events like children’s day and weekend markets. We ran surveys with hundreds of respondents, held radio interviews, hosted fun days and events to celebrate project milestones.

Our volunteers maintained a website which also included local history research that has become a valuable community resource. Our Facebook page is extremely popular with thousands of interactions across the span of our project.

In construction, we used local contractors for landscaping, some play items, painting, seating, shade and more. When the playground opened, we supplied a feedback form enabling the public to share their experiences.  

There is no part of this playground untouched by the community. The community feels a sense of belonging and an ownership of the space.

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It was important to know our audience, so we could wear their shoes and make sure the playground was what they needed and wanted. 

 

By working with a wide group of people, we could pull together a wide range of problems and solutions to consider for the playgrounds brief. It was important to be open to the development of ideas rather than too rigid in our preconceived ideas. Getting the community on board was a lot of work for our team, but was really easy with our community because the agenda was unanimous, we wanted to created something helpful for our kids. We couldn't have created what we have, if we hadn't had a big team effort. We reached out to experts who saw issues day to day with the people they worked with, like parents, child physiologists, educators, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, doctors, Timaru District Council facility managers and staff of the parks department, property managers, gallery, library, museum staff etc... We also listened to those who have the lived experience to understand what their barriers to play were, and what they needed to be able to participate, and to elevate their play. There were small details that could make a big difference that we strived to incorporate into the playgrounds design so it was fun, accessible, challenging and meaningful.

 

Ways we were able to listen to inform the brief

Volunteers shared concept plans with the community at public events and meetings to refine the themes, and define the needs and wants of the people who would use and benefit from the new play space. A representative from mana whenua Arowhenua the marae of the area joined the volunteer team to ensure meaningful culture inclusion and story sharing. Bringing the community on the journey from the start ensured that the brief was formed by what they wanted and needed from the outset. 

We held many meetings, guest spoke to clubs and societies, visited schools, talked to as many people as we could to understand who our playground visitors would be and be able to wear their shoes when making decisions.

By involving the community in the planning and decision-making process, we helped to foster a sense of ownership, unity, and shared vision for the project, resulting in a playground that truly reflected the values and preferences of the people it created to serve. And making the space achieve our cornerstone goals; fun, accessible, challenging and meaningful.

 

"When designing for community facilities, cultural identity is key element to informing the design aesthetic. It allows for functionality to marry with cultural expression that can result in a richness in the experience of the spaces that is often absent in a ‘cut and paste’ approach of a style. I believe the CPlay design team have achieved that richness. The introduction of the design team almost sounds like a start of a joke – “what do you get when you mix an Engineer, an Artist, a Scientist and an Architect?” But the answer isn’t the expected “unbuildable expensive eyesore” - but a playground that not only acts as a play spaces that tell the story of the people of our region. The story of the formation of the land is expressed through the lava floor in the Parkour area. Pakeha history is told through the ship wreck and lighthouse play equipment along with the story of the Rocket Brigade through the flying fox. The junior area of the playground encompasses the iki tuna eel area and the ‘Whare’ play structure which highlights the importance of the area to the local Maori for gathering kai in the past. The Whare structure was inspired by the pole structures often associated with Pataka food houses. The crawl tunnels and climbing net evoke the Kinaki eel traps. Over the swale the eel balance beams and Mokihi canoe inspired sea-saw." - CPlay Volunteer John Rushton (Architect)

 

We aimed to create a sense of belonging and solidarity among community members by promoting inclusivity, celebrating diversity.

 

We got out and made sure we could connect to people at community events.

 

Read more: How we engaged and consulted and celebrated with the community

 

Fundraising

The playground was made possible by an epic community fundraising effort. 

Public Fundraising launch kindly hosted by Movie Max Timaru.

 

 

 

 

 

Read more: Fundraising was an epic task

We didn't do it for the praise, we did it for the result.

Our community is absolutely amazing, and we were blown away by how generous people were with their time and donations. No strings attached, a gift was a gift, so many donations were anonymous. It was important to CPlay to make sure every gift was recognized and to celebrate the contribution and impact of individual volunteers. We did this by creating some guidelines on what we would do for various size donations, and we made sure we then exceeded the expectations people had when they made their gift. 

Some of the ways we recognized people was by

• Sending a receipt and a thank you letter to acknowledge donation.
• Thanking people personally, on social media, as posts, articles, live video, video interviews, news releases radio interviews and acknowledgment signage.
• Giving guided tours and regular updates during the construction and when it opened.
• Being on site to assist contractors and hosting morning teas and lunches.
• The Timaru District Council was kind enough to recognize contributions with their community service award.

We also used our social media and guest speaking events to highlight the impact volunteers can create in their community. Our team has been invited to share their stories at external events e.g. interviews, webinars, and community meetings to talk about their work and motivation to increase the visibility of volunteers. 

 

 

Volunteering weaves us together, strengthening the fabric of our community and to help create a diverse, inclusive, and connected future.  

CPlay was an opportunity to inspire others within the community to get involved, to advocate for the needs and interests of their community and make a difference. This empowerment led to increased civic engagement and participation.

CPlay highlighted the strengths, achievements, and contributions of community members both internally and externally. 

We helped bridge between council and community, facilitating communication, collaboration, and partnerships  that benefited the community as a whole. CPlay lobbied for better play to bring about positive change.

 

 BBQ Shout for our contractors Graham Ward, Project Manager and Owen Jackson (OJ) CPlay Chairperson - Photo Roselyn Fauth

Read more: How peoples generosity and efforts were recognized

We had a big team because we needed it. We worked with playground professionals from around the country and locals

We are so greatful to our national and local businesses who helped us build the playground. We harnessed the best of national and local knowledge, to foster ownership and collaboration, ensure cultural sensitivity, and mobilize resources for the benefit of the community.

As well as making sure we were delivering the best play experience we could, we also found this approach encouraged people to support and champion the playgrounds success, people were proud to have contributed..

 

 

 

 

Jack Rushton visited the site weekly to capture the progress from above with his drone

Read more: Help from Nationals and Locals

"Be greater than you think you can be and you might just surprise yourself" - Owen Jackson (OJ), CPlay Chairperson

"Take time to listen to the experts and those with lived experience, so when you need to make decisions you have the people who will benefit and use the playground in mind." - Roselyn Fauth (CPlay Story Researcher, Communication and Design Team

 

 

CPlay members Roselyn Fauth and Francine Spencer visit Te Ana Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Centre to look for inspiration on how to share Timaru's Caroline Bay story at the Playground.  - Photo Roselyn Fauth

"For me the playground is about the love of the children and the area, and the significance of the area. That our children just love it. It is important to remember the past and let our future guide us." - CPlay volunteer Francine Spencer - Arowhenua Representative.

 

 

CPlay volunteer Lynette Wilson tests out the musical instruments - Roselyn Fauth

"As a grandparent who frequents the playground and surrounding areas regularly and as a member of a service group, I could see the potential for growth and revitalization of the playground but the scope and vision required a “whole community” buy in for it to progress and it was always going to be a long term project involving much consultation and people with different skill sets to ensure the vision gained momentum. The end result is an amazing destination for all ages, not just a children’s playground and it will play a vital part in helping the health and well-being of our wider community, being truly inclusive. communication has been a key to engendering a sense of ownership, expectation and pride, people are interested and special memories have been created watching as progress has been made and many more will come when they get the chance to play. The team have done an amazing job and I have been privileged to be part of it." - CPlay volunteer Lynette Wilson

 

 

CPlay volunteer Alice Brice tests out the 50m tandem flying fox - Photo Geoff Cloake

"Make sure you have a group of doers not gunnas. This group has been amazing! We are all busy, but the CPlay committee got it done, no excuses!" - Alice Brice

"To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my full support and endorsement for CPlay Playground, a community asset that provides an accessible environment for all children, and a community driven project that deserves recognition and appreciation.

CPlay is a remarkable example of how a community can come together to create something beautiful and beneficial for all. The playground was championed by volunteers. It prioritised cultural inclusion and accessibility, setting a standard for future endeavours. Funds were raised predominately by donations from local businesses, members of the community, schools, clubs, and grants. The collaborative efforts of volunteers, government, charities, and private sector partners were crucial to the success. Volunteers led communications, concept design, and fundraising, resulting in broader community engagement and support.

The involvement of a respected charitable trust, The Aoraki Foundation, enhanced transparency with donors and lightened the load on volunteers, allowing them to focus on community engagement and playground design. The Timaru District Council's sponsorship and management support streamlined processes and ensured transparency with contractors. A skilled project manager, representing both CPlay and Council interests, facilitated effective coordination during the construction phase. Specialist contractors were enlisted for design and construction tasks, guaranteeing quality, safety, and adherence to design requirements. 

The result is a superb and fun playground that caters to the diverse needs and abilities of all children, taking into consideration all their physical, mental, or sensory needs and challenges.

The playground features a variety of equipment, such as swings, slides, climbing structures, tunnels, bridges, and sensory panels, that are safe, durable, and adaptable. These have been themed to help share our stories and histories of the Caroline Bay area, including bespoke whare, shipwreck and lighthouse slide tower. The playground also has a large open space for running, playing, and socialising, as well as a shaded area for resting and picnicking. There have been large crowds there over the Summer, and because of the ample space, it hasn't felt chaotic. The playground is surrounded by trees and plants, creating a natural and inviting environment for children and families, both local and visiting.

CPlay has enhanced one of our District's premier parks; Caroline Bay, and created a wonderful space for children to play, and a place for the community to connect, learn, and grow, ultimately helping our community thrive together. This project contributes to the Timaru Districts vision, Connecting Citizens, Enhancing Lifestyle and a Sustainable Environment." Read full feedback here Letter from the Mayor regarding CPlay - NZ Playground awards 2024 - Nigel Bowen, Timaru District Council Mayor

 

... .The creation of a vibrant and inclusive playground aligns with this Government's objectives of stronger communities and actively promotes the well-being of our region. ... Research underscores the significant economic, environmental, cultural, and health-related benefits associated with investments in play, active recreation, and sport. The CPlay playground is accessible to all members of our community, regardless of ability or background, fostering inclusivity and diversity in our shared spaces. ... This project also illustrates the amazing community spirit that is alive and well in South Canterbury. The
tireless efforts of the CPlay volunteers, along with the generosity of local businesses and the community have made this project a reality." Read full feedback here - James Meager MP, Member of Parliament for Rangitata

Karl Te Raki, Francine Spencer, Roselyn Fauth, Nigel Bowan, James Megar, Owen Jackson and Bill Steans take the opportunity for a photo after the playground bless with Arowhenua. - Photo Geoff Cloake

 

"CPlay is used from dawn until dusk and it has been difficult to find time to clean and inspect equipment. The popularity of CPlay is fifteen times that of the previous playground at the same site. This is evidenced by having to install additional bins for waste and recycling. ... People enjoying CPlay have been too numerous to count at busy times. On occasions there have been more people using the playground than the thousands attending the free Carnival concerts. Ages of users range from 2 to 92 years old. ... CPlay is used from dawn until dusk and it has been difficult to find time to clean and inspect equipment. The popularity of CPlay is fifteen times that of the previous playground at the same site. This is evidenced by having to install additional bins for waste and recycling. ... Council sees the benefits of this project as a positive contribution to the lifestyle afforded residents and a drawcard for visitors. This is evident in the vibrancy created by spontaneous social interactions spaces used for recreational and cultural activities, physical challenges aiding physical, cognitive development and fitness. The considerable number of visitors provide an economic contribution to local businesses. Hospitality, service, tourism, and retail sectors have all benefited from visitors to CPlay." Read full feedback here - Bill Steans, Parks and Recreation Manager

 

"I write on behalf of the Tongan Society South Canterbury in support of the dedication, commitment and hard ngāue (work) conducted by the Cplay Volunteer team who lead the whole Cplay project.

Relationships in Tonga are key as we build and nurture relationships (tauhi va). We were so happy to be able to contribute to the development of the Pasifika frangipani and the tables that were made larger to accommodate our families.

This has made such a different to our Tongan and Pasifika communities as we see ourselves in the space and feel welcomed. Not only that, this is now a place where we can bring all our family to enjoy and play.

In our eyes, the playground is a huge success and we highlight that Roselyn as the Creative Team volunteer made us be part of the journey – and has maintained contact since. This is a double win for their team!." -  Pauline-Jean Luyten

"The South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce is pleased to have played a small part in supporting the impressive and well used new CPlay – Timaru’s new destination playground. When you want to understand the heart of the Timaru Community – look no further than this amazing playground. Entirely created by volunteers, supported by donations, suppliers, contractors and the Timaru District Council – this playground has provided a unique and accessible destination. With 40 play pieces including a mound in the shape of a tuna eel, a 14.5m long shipwreck, 10m high lighthouse, trampolines swings, mouse wheel, 50m double flying fox, and the Timaru District's nostelgic yellow horse from the 1960s! This is a statement piece and a reflection of how we get things done around here  – congratulations to the C-Play team". Wendy Smith. Chief Executive, South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce

Wendy Smith (second to last) with her team from the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. - Photo Owen Jackson

 

CPlay demonstrated wonderful collaboration between a passionate community group, mana whenua, Council, and a range of stakeholders and communities – a good practice and a model that could potentially be replicated. The project utilised cultural inclusion, and accessibility and inclusivity considerations, and processes to support these, that could be used as an example for some future projects.
The CPlay Committee were deliberate in genuinely making efforts to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and communities through the project and as the project required. Youth, disability, and multicultural groups were engaged throughout this incredible journey, start to finish. This engagement resulted in consideration of various design, aesthetic, and functionality aspects of the playspace.
The CPlay project has had a collaborative and strategic approach, consideration for a wider range of user groups, and an attention to detail. The CPlay project demonstrated engagement with mana whenua to learn about the space, and to invite for stories and cultural weave through the space – learning about the past for now and for the future. Additionally, CPlay has had a strong focus on accessibility and inclusivity.
Due to the collaboration between the CPlay Committee and Timaru District Council, various approaches and implementations at CPlay have the potential to be utilised as an approach for the consideration of future playspace development or redevelopment in the district. Examples of this include the cultural components, and the accessibility and inclusion considerations. The approaches used for the consideration of cultural components and for accessibility and inclusion have demonstrated a model that could be applied for future projects.
The CPlay Committee were intentional in engaging with mana whenua to learn from, and to help bring to life various narratives of the space and the role in the CPlay playspace. Te Reo Māori has also been used in some areas of the playspace. In addition, the CPlay Committee were intentional about having an accessibility and inclusivity foci for the playspace. They learned from and worked with a range of community members about how to effectively apply this approach to the space. - Adam Gard’ner. Regional Play Lead, Sport Canterbury

 

Filming in the playground with the Sports South Canterbury team. Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

 

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Feedback from Kids and Educators

 

"Timaru’s new CPlay playground is the latest educational tool for the Heritage Education Service, based at the South Canterbury Museum.
The service which, has been operating for 19 years and offers a ‘hands on approach to learning’, is excited to introduce a play-based learning opportunity for local children.
Schools can explore the $3 million community-built playground to learn about local history from mana whenua creation stories right through to the daring rescues performed by the Rocket Brigade. In the 1870s. Museum Educators expand on the stories introduced by the playground with free programmes that align with recent changes made to the government curriculum, emphasizing local history.
By encouraging physical play, imagination and curiosity, students can begin to understand that history changes depending on whose perspective you take. For example, the development of the port bought safety to the dangerous occupation of shipping while at the same time affecting the size of the Waitarakao Lagoon where mana whenua traditionally fished and collected food.
As students learn about the history of the area, they start to include aspects of the new knowledge in their play so that instead of a pirate ship it becomes the ship that is taking your annual harvest of wheat to market and the boxes floating in the water are your luggage as you move to a new land. While playing the students notice details of the playground based in Timaru’s past.
A ‘story circle’ with informative signs is underdevelopment and will feature local art and artifacts from galleries and museums to help locals and visitors learn more as they play. Roselyn Fauth has worked alongside the Museum Educators to develop a guide that helps explain the stories that inspired CPlay, these are available from the South Canterbury Museum, Timaru Information Centre or you can visit the CPlay website to read about the history in more detail. 
The playground is a way for children and adults to learn as they play, encourage conversations about our history and hopefully be curious to find out more!” - Keely Kroening, South Canterbury Museum Educator

Learning tool: South Canterbury Museum educators Ruth Gardiner (left) and Keely Kroening have embraced CPlay as a new learning tool meeting schools at the playground to help deliver the local history and story curriculum. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

"Year 9 and 10 students from Timaru Boys High School: the general consensus is that the new playground is:
"way more teenage friendly - there is more stuff for us to do"
"better and has equipment that suits us"
"not just for little kids now"
"Way more fun"
"we are definitely not too old to like it - it doesn't matter how old you are you can still have fun"
"It's good having the BBQ there"
The consensus is that the flying fox is the best thing, followed by the lighthouse, then the roundabout (spinny around thing)” - Phil Robertshaw TBHS Guidance Counsellor

Kia ora. Waimataitai Kura took their Yr0-2 students to cplay this week. The kids pretty much ran themselves into a stand still, they had so much fun. It was a very slow walk back to school!
Rose has asked for some feedback - a couple of the tree circles might need some drainage as they were quite boggy and the trees might not like the wet feet. Minor.
Rubbish bins near the bbq - probably there already but wasn’t sure. (Also I am pretty sure this isn’t your issue but just didn’t want rubbish blowing around the play space)
That’s it - we absolutely loved it! Not only were the kids physically active but they also were inventing games and stories especially on and around the ship wreck. The adults appreciated the seating provided.
The trampoline which has the wheel chair access was a bonus water feature….hopefully it is strong enough to withstand the tamariki jumping from up high onto it.
I think my favourite part was hearing that some children went back again after school. A destination place. You deserve all the accolades - what a lucky community to have a group of people who can drive something forward to create this place.
I do wonder - does it need a name?
This was my most favourite photo I took on the day.
- C Davidson, Teacher at Waimataitai


This playground is wonderful. It allows children to take risks, and play in a stimulating, safe place. FUN. Superb work team.


Feedback from 7-8-9 year olds (Year 3/4s, commenting on the highlight of their school year)
I loved the big pirate ship at C Play - you could climb up it and it’s kind of diagonal, sloped. It was really fun. (8 yr old female)
I liked going to C Play. At C Play I got one hand on the top of the walk-wall, but I slipped off. It was FUN. (8 year old male)
I like going to C Play - I like climbing in the lighthouse and going down the slide. (8 year old female)
I loved C Play - the lighthouse and the zip line are my favourite things. (8 year old male)
I loved going to C Play - I went down the big slide a couple of times. The net was crowded getting up there. 8 year old female) (there were 5 classes at the playground at the time and she loved the excitement of the crowded net)
I liked going to C Play - especially the lighthouse. (9 year old male)
C Play, was good. I liked the bashed up ships, you can go inside them. (8 yr old male)
I liked going to C Play - I liked the ninja course where you had to run up and put your hands on top of the bit. I liked the big slide on the lighthouse. (8 yr old male)
C Play and climbing up the lighthouse - it takes so long! I liked the slide. (9 yr old female)
I loved C Play - I could climb up and touch the orange flag. (8 year old female)
I loved going to C Play with my class - I loved the music area best. (8 year old male)
I liked going to C Play . The day I went to C Play with my class, I went to C Play again at 7 o’clock with my family (9 yr old female)
The trip to C Play was fun, I liked climbing the spider web. (7 year old male)
I like going to C Play - in the ship there is mic’s (microphones). 8 yr old male


"The playground is magnificent, an absolute credit to the hardworking team. Our Waimataitai tamariki and whanau had a fantastic time there on Wednesday and I see it becoming a regular trip for us.
Love its inclusiveness and a great range of physical activities for all." - Jill Robinson, Room 7 Teacher at Waimataitai

 

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Feedback from people regarding accessability

"We love the fort with the tree stumps to climb up. My son has cerebral palsy and has difficulty getting up most steps but climbs these like a pro!" - K Searle

"My son loves the special needs swing he's special needs and won't go on normal swings he loves it. ... it's great all people with different abilities are able to be included." - K Armishaw

"To all the Cplay Committee,
A heartfelt thanks to you all!! For the endless hours of planning, fundraising and then executing such a wonderful playground for our community. Such an incredible asset to South Canterbury and for future generations to come. As a mother of a child with a physical disability and an able bodied son the playground has meant so much to our family. Watching my 2 children play on the playground for the first time, and BOTH be happy bought tears to my eyes. Playgrounds have unfortunately been avoided in our family as it's been "too hard". BUT NOT NOW!!! THANK YOU. For my daughter to feel included and have equipment to play on, something that has been far and few between the past 9 years for her. We are so incredibly grateful. - S and C Latta

 

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Feedback from Tourism and Business Community 

"Our regular guests are thrilled with the additional attraction of CPlay to add to their holiday favourites, but more importantly there is a steady stream of guests who have cited CPlay as a primary reason to come to Timaru or to come more often. (I am not even making this up, there was one today) It is now up to us to make sure the overall experience keeps them coming back." - G Collister, Owner/Operator Timaru Top 10 Holiday Park.

"We have had families come into the restaurant that said they made to stop in Timaru while traveling to Christchurch or Dunedin just to check out the new playground and have decided to stay for lunch. The impact to the local community is more than a great new playground, it's an asset that supports local business and markets the town to a larger group of people. Many of these families are multi-generational too." - Clarissa Doran, Owner/Operator The Oxford Restaurant

"We have visited the playground with our relations from out of town and both us and our visitors just love it. It is suitable for all ages from our 3 year old granddaughter who told me it is her favourite playground to her older cousins who love the more challenging aspects ie: the big wall. It is such an amazing asset to our community and I tend to agree with our granddaughter it is the best playground EVER." - Jeanna Munro, Marketing/Admin Manager. Maree Hynes Interiors

CPlay volunteers Owen Jackson (OJ) and Roselyn Fauth gave Timaru Districts visitor promotion agency team Venture Timaru, a tour through the playground to help devise a communication and marketing plan to promote the playground nationally as a destination.  - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

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Feedback on communication signage

"Timaru – bilingual coreboard mahi
Communication is a human right and at Wahanga Tū Kōrero | TalkLink our job is to make communication accessible for everyone! Last year we had the pleasure of collaborating with the CPlay Playground team to develop a core vocabulary board for this setting. We are always excited to see these communication tools become increasingly visible and accessible around the motu! Having a core board in a playground like Caroline Bay means that tamariki who communicate in an alternative way can continue to communicate at the playground too!
Core vocabulary boards are a type of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), and they provide an alternative means for people to communicate. High frequency or “core” words are represented visually using symbols and words on a board and individuals can point to the board to communicate their messages. Word types are organised by colour which supports locating and accessing the language to construct messages. 
It is also important to note that the core board at Caroline Bay is bilingual – it includes both English and Te Reo. We recognise that more research is required to know how best to represent Te Reo on a core board. However, we wanted to ensure that Te Reo is always an option and thus are relying on collaboration and consultation with iwi and translators to find what works best. Tukuna te reo, kia rere!
We hope that all tamariki can enjoy themselves and communicate at this playground whilst simultaneously teaching the wider community what AAC is all about!"

- Mary (Mere) Browne. Speech-Language Therapist I Kaiwhakatikatika reo Kōrero. TalkLink Trust

 

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Some of the positive feedback we have received via our website feedback form

 

It is an awesome playground for all ages, that caters for all abilities. A lot of thought and attention to detail has gone into it. - J Trotter

I closely followed the development of the new playground CPlay each week while on my walks around Caroline Bay. I am very proud to show my family CPlay & see them enjoying the exciting new equipment. I joined a Guided tour to learn more about the history & stories the playground was created from. My favourite story was learning about the Rocket Brigade. My family were just as intrigued as me especially my 16 year old Grandson to learn how the Rocket Brigade fired lines from two rocket guns with trousers attached to a buoy & pulled the passengers & sailors to shore & safety. The Flying Fox with its two rocket guns is my grandchildren's favourite. I have had great feedback from other Grandparents & it is very exciting to see so many families of all ages using CPlay. Congratulations to all involved in creating this wonderful asset for Timaru. - M Maddren 

"Zac absolutely loved going to find his tile when the playground opened, as you can see he was so proud of his artwork. He has been so excited to show his friends it when they have play dates at CPlay. Will be great memories to show off when he’s older. If this playgrounds around in 20 years he maybe showing his own children his masterpiece" - Gabrielle Hale

"Wonderful challenges for all ages. Some of the drop offs are a bit high, especially for younger ones who aren't great with spatial awareness or walking". - K, Name Supplied

"Good variety and good use of space- really like the silver musical thing by the lighthouse".  - K, Name Supplied

"I love the new design. It's great for my 2 and 4 year old. The activities are amazing for all ages you've done an amazing job." - K, Name Supplied

I like how accessible it is for everyone - S, Name Supplied

It's fantastic. All 3 of my children (7, 13 and 16) enjoyed themselves. Suits a wide range of ages. V, Name Supplied

We love the new playground and the work that has gone into it. I loved the inclusiveness of disabled children. I seen many of them having such a great time while we were there. - Name Supplied

Fantastic playground that has provided so much entertainment for our kids. It caters to a range of ages and our 1&2 yr old can safely play alongside much older kids - S, Name Supplied

Went while the carnival was on and the kids had to be dragged away from the playground and then wanted to go straight back! Spent most of our day there in the end. The fact that the kids ranged in age from 1.5 to 15 and they all had a blast and parents even got involved and had an absolute blast. Loved the seating areas and the theme!! - T,  Name Supplied

Because it is a fabulous Playground for Timaru to be proud of and kids for generations to enjoy. Everything, it is adventurous challenging and something for everyone regardless of confidence levels. The paddling pool still an absolute favourite and the shade sails are great . Please never get rid of the pool.The whole Bay Area looks amazing . Well done everyone. K, Name Supplied

Fabulous space for all! My 9 year old loved the challenge of the high wall! My 6 year old loved the music & trampolines. Also mum loved the activities that are hidden under the ship wreck! Such a cool quiet space to cater for all kids! S, Name Supplied

A huge effort by the volunteers and community. Such an asset for the families visiting and living in the area. I liked the presentation and the different activities the most. G, Name Supplied

It is a fantastic area which caters for all ages of children. My children aged 16 months to 7 years all had the best time. Even after multiple visits still so entertained. The variety, providing different fun to an everyday playground. We loved it and feel so lucky to have that right at our back door. - K, Name Supplied

My kids and husband loved it they have been having so much fun since it opened, there is something for everyone. - S, Name Supplied

Beautiful playground with so much for the kids to do & explore. Colorful & lots of variety. Interactive & fun, the soft Numat/Creo surfaces are really nice. - C, Name Supplied

Because you all have created a wonderful inclusive space for all. I think it's great, little people area has challenge and items with easy success, covers a range of ages and abilities within the ECE bracket. Fab use of items that can be used for open ended play and challenge like the logs and rocks. Great mix of natural and man made. - A, Name Supplied

It's is a very amazing flow and lots of different activities will good way to spend a day with put costing money The fact there is activities for all ages - L, Name Supplied

Well designed, love the musical and interactive aspects - R, Name Supplied

So much to do, experience, use. No children seemed to be waiting as there was always something else to use. "The gentle musical instruments were lovely. And the water fountains. I loved the connection between the paddling pool and bike track. Nicely linked." - P, Name Supplied

 

 

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Feedback from our contractors and suppliers

 

“We were thrilled to be a part of such a meaningful and enjoyable project for our local community. Contributing to the development of the new playground in Timaru felt incredibly rewarding, and we couldn't be happier with of our involvement. At Branded Kiwi, we were engaged in the process, from printing to producing and installing various signage elements throughout the playground.

For the past four years, Branded Kiwi has actively participated in the conversation surrounding the playground's development. We've provided ongoing advice and support, ensuring that the signage integration not only looked good but also was practical and inclusive. We are happy to see details in the signage considering accessibility for individuals of all heights, appropriate font sizes, and the inclusion of symbols for those who engage with visual storytelling.

Sustainability was a key consideration in our approach. We opted for high-quality materials that are UV-resistant and anti-graffiti, ensuring that the signage will have a longer lifespan and reduce wastage. Additionally, we use water-based inks, minimizing our environmental footprint while maintaining excellent print quality.

We were particularly stoked with how the mouse wheel turned out, which we wrapped in a vibrant red design with history information doubling as a game, design donated by Roselyn Fauth. Now, seeing our contributions in action, we feel an additional sense of pride knowing that our children get to enjoy the playground we helped create.

We're excited about the future collaboration with CPlay to develop the next round of signage. We look forward to continuing to share the stories and history that inspired the playground, further enriching the community experience for all.“ - Sean, Branded Kiwi 

Branded Kiwi team member adding signage details to the crates at the playground to help people connect to the stories that inspired the playground design. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

CPlay demonstrated wonderful collaboration between a passionate community group, mana whenua, Council, and a range of stakeholders and communities… . good practice and a model that could potentially be replicated. The project utilised cultural inclusion, accessibility and inclusivity, and processes to support these, that could be used as an example for some future projects.” Bill Steans TDC Parks Manager

We improved practices and efficiencies in this space via:

• collaboration with mana whenua and the community,
• the partnerships involved in project delivery,
• A passionate, voluntary committee,
• Timaru District Council,
• A joint steering group involving CPlay, District Council and a shared project manager,
• A charitable trust,
• And professional contractors/playground specialists.

 

The community working for and with the community

The CPlay team, formed when chair Owen Jackson called for volunteers, were local parents and grandparents with no experience with playgrounds. We had diverse and relevant skillsets, and being locals, many community contacts.

CPlay decided early to bring the community along for the journey. Before we fundraised, we engaged mana whenua, who provided a representative, and engaged many people across health, disability, education, families, sports, aged care, early childhood, service clubs, art and history. Our motivation to engage these groups was to improve the project – not to fundraise. Separating community engagement from fundraising, gained trust, achieved widespread community buy-in and enriched design. Engagement on design was invaluable.

 

Collaborative Partnership for Project Delivery

The collaboration of voluntary, local government, charitable, and private sectors enabled a level of success that could not have been achieved individually. Having communication and consultation, concept design and fundraising, fronted by volunteers enabled freer and more comfortable engagement and fundraising support than might have been garnered by an economic or ratepayer driven body. Volunteers could take more time listening to the community and scrutinizing design then paid bodies could justify. Having a respected charitable trust support the project by receiving funds ensured transparency and trust with donors, and also lifted responsibilities off volunteers – enabling focus on community input and design. The District Council supporting as a principal sponsor, and with contract and payment management, maximised their skills and strengths, ensured transparency with contractors and freed volunteers. A skilled project manager representing CPlay and Council, and a joint steering committee, clearly set roles and responsibilities and controlled construction phase delivery. Volunteers passing conceptual design, landscape and surfacing works to specialist contractors ensured quality, playground safety and design requirements were met.

We set out to achieve four outcomes: fun, accessible, challenging, meaningful. The result was epic! Some achievements that should be applied to other projects:

 

Comprehensive and genuine engagement.

We went to community with a blank page, not an entrenched philosophy, allowing genuine contributions. We didn’t limit conversations to “obvious groups” but spoke to many diverse sectors like children, families, disability, health, education, heritage, art, sport, tourism, age concern, voluntary, and business. We separated conversations on design, from those on fundraising which enhanced community trust. We communicated throughout our journey via personal interactions, social media, website and events which demonstrated community had been heard, and opened opportunities for ongoing feedback.

 

Partnering with Maori and involving other cultures.

We established a relationship with mana whenua early, that enabled integration of of Māori art, design and te reo. The result is authentic Maori and European stories interwoven together, not one tacked onto the other. We engaged our Pasifika community enabling elements that nod to our pacific roots.

 

We made every decision to maximise the ages and abilities included.

Inclusivity to us is not just about wheelchair users, a single physical disability, an age group or culture, or a certain spatial area. It’s about everyone. Every design decision was scrutinised to maximise who would be able to, and would want to, interact. This led to features like integrated play, accessible barbecues, tables and seating. Flat, flush surfacing. Many inclusive and wheelchair friendly items. Wheelchair access onto areas of the figurehead shipwreck. Instruments, signage, play panels, at accessible heights/locations. Considered accessible parking, and ensured accessibility from point of arrival to, and within, the playground. We worked to ensure everyone has options to join in the fun.

Themed to local stories, linked into education, and the goals of local heritage and art facilities. Local geological, Māori, European, agricultural and environmental stories through bespoke equipment, surfacing, landscaping, graphics and art. School groups visit, not just to play, but for outdoor learning experiences, that fit curriculum goals of local history and te ao Māori. Art is distributed throughout to foster creativity. Engaging and fun learning for all, that boosts wellbeing and lifts identity.

We collaborated effectively with District Council, charitable trust, private and specialist consultants. This collaboration maximised the strengths of multiple community sectors, enhanced outcomes, shared resource and financial burden, and is an example of community and councils working together to deliver great service outcomes.

 

Our goals

Our goals were a fun, accessible, challenging, meaningful space. Consistently large numbers now visit – many times those of the previous playground. Feedback is plentiful and positive. Art, history, and learning is cleverly included. Schools are engaging in the space. Māori culture and language are interwoven throughout. Accessibility and inclusiveness mean many who have missed out can gather, play and engage.

The community support enabled what we achieved, so we highlight their voices in this section.

“ . . .as a mother of a child with a physical disability and an able-bodied son the playground has meant so much to our family. Watching my 2 children play on the playground for the first time, and BOTH be happy bought tears to my eyes. Playgrounds have been avoided in our family as its been “too hard”. BUT NOT NOW!!! . . . Sarah and Che’ Latta”

“The curriculum refresh for schools has a local focus. For South Canterbury, topics of interest are the natural environment (geology), migration (Māori and European), mahika kai and how the town developed and why. These topics are covered by the playground. Play based learning is something schools are interested in and research shows that this helps with everything from reading and writing to maths.” Keely Kroning (Museum Educator)

“ . . . I joined a guided tour to learn about the history and stories of the playground. . . My favourite was learning about the rocket brigade. My family were just as intrigued as me especially my 16 year old Grandson . . . Merle Maddren”

“We have had families come into the restaurant that said they made a stop in Timaru while traveling just to check out the new playground and decided to stay for lunch. The impact to the local community is more than a great new playground, its an asset that supports local business and markets the town to a larger group of people." – Clarissa Doran, The Oxford Restaurant.

"People enjoying CPlay have been too numerous to count at busy times. Ages of users range from 2 – 92. CPlay is used from dawn to dusk and it has been difficult to find time to clean and inspect . . . The popularity is fifteen times that of the previous playground at the same site as evidenced by having to install additional waste and recycling bins." Bill Steans – TDC Parks Manager.

Effective budget and resource management were important to our voluntary group. We had to raise funds directly from our community and we respected this in both our control of costs and in ensuring maximum value of spend.

Our fundraising was diverse, with received support from council, community groups, individuals, businesses, trusts, local and national grants. Tamariki even donated pocket money and helped fundraise - an all-community effort.

Our approach was simple but effective. We designed a wide-ranging, diverse, play space to meet community goals, be a true destination, and maximise quality and fun. We itemized elements with quality cost estimates wherever possible and prioritised each item. Doing this established a core “minimum” we felt needed to be achieved to deliver a space that met community expectations. We didn’t lose sight of the items above that “minimum” and worked hard to fundraise for them, but we did not commit to spend until we had the necessary funds. In this way we simply included valuable add-ons, and “extras” as funds allowed.

Timaru District Council supported our procurement and contract management, and Aoraki Foundation supported our donation receipting, giving the project reliable and trusted financial management partners. We further ensured careful management of funds and design, by engaging a professional project manager to support and link our voluntary design team and the District Councils interests. Despite setbacks of Covid and inflationary costs, we re-doubled fundraising efforts ensuring we raised enough to deliver on our goals and community expectations.

Our approach relied heavily on volunteers and in-kind contributions, which reduced costs and fostered community trust and ownership over outcomes. Harnessing local and national expertise, labour, and resources from various stakeholders helped stretch our budget. We were able to establish fixed price contracts with our surfacing and play equipment providers ensuring we weren’t at the mercy of rapidly rising construction costs that were typical in the lead up to and during our build.

Thousands of hours volunteered by CPlay over several years translated into substantial cost savings, and less pressure on local rates. Voluntary efforts spanned fundraising, marketing, artistic contributions, architectural work, on-site supervision, and design oversight.

Our emphasis on durable materials, low maintenance solutions, quality surfacing, graffiti and vandalism protection will reduce maintenance and replacement needs, ensuring long-term cost-effectiveness.

We are proud, in a challenging economic environment, to have delivered a high-quality, inclusive playground that surpassed expectations on budget, and on time.

 

 

CPlay Voluntary Committee

The CPlay Voluntary Committee, despite not having prior involvement in playgrounds, brought together a diverse range of skills. Over the past five years, the committee has included a representative from Mana Whenua. Their roles and responsibilities encompassed various critical areas: fundraising ($3M), community consultation involving over 30 individual groups and the general public through events, project communication through social media, the website, radio, and other media, conceptual design and design oversight, joint project management, joint steering group representation, and playground activation.

CPlay – Positives of Approach

The CPlay approach had several positive aspects. The committee was more readily trusted by the community, which allowed them to effectively separate fundraising from consultation. Starting without a rigid plan gave the community freedom and ownership over the project. This ownership over key outcomes and processes motivated the committee to contribute more. Additionally, not being a legal entity but receiving support from legal entities was crucial to their success.

Timaru District Council

The Timaru District Council played a significant supportive role. They provided initial funding through an LTP submission and ensured oversight to meet design and maintenance ambitions. Assigning a joint project manager was a crucial step. They also supported contract management and took ownership of the space once the project was completed. Importantly, they allowed CPlay to maintain its unique approach.

Aoraki Foundation

The Aoraki Foundation, as a registered charity, received donations on behalf of CPlay. This arrangement brought several benefits: the foundation was a trusted local charitable trust with a strong track record, they could refund GST on donations, and they removed the need for CPlay to be a registered charitable group. Additionally, the foundation was a project donor and supported the committee with interest.

Professional Contractors

Professional contractors played a vital role in transforming the project from concept to reality. They refined the designs into functional working drawings and managed fixed contracts through TDC procurement processes and the joint project manager. They worked closely with the project manager and design team and were adaptable, making necessary adjustments on the fly.

So what did we build?

The project resulted in a playground with over 40 pieces of play equipment, many featuring bespoke designs to inspire imaginative play and promote healthier, stronger bodies and happier minds. The playground was inclusive, catering to a range of ages, stages, abilities, and sizes. It offered challenging play to keep users engaged as they developed and grew. The design was meaningful, inspired by the stories and history of local people and places, and met standards suitable for educational use while still being fun.

 

58.6% of people in rural areas volunteer, compared to the national average of 50.7% and 47.5% for the major urban centres (Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch)... “Tap into resources, such as Best Practice Guidelines, to ensure volunteers have a great experience. 

- State of Volunteering Regional Report – volunteering in New Zealand’s regions analyses data from Volunteering New Zealand’s research and from Statistics New Zealand.

We recognised that many public spaces in our region do not cater for a diverse range of community resulting in exclusion. CPlay made every decision through the lens of maximising who could use and enjoy the outcome.

Community input ensured diverse perspectives were considered. We engaged early with mana whenua who committed a representative to our committee ensuring authentic, integrated, inclusion of local Māori stories and Te Reo. We spoke with Pasifika groups resulting in design nods to pacific heritage, and larger gathering spaces for big families.

We talked with health providers specialising in a range of disabilities, child development and diverse needs, and to some families who use these services, and heard practical, lived experiences to drive outcomes. We often found families sought higher outcomes than those legislated for or considered “minimum standards”. We learnt the importance of integrating all play, not separating inclusive and “non-inclusive” elements.

We aimed for universal, integrated, design. Most of the playground is flat, flush and accessible. Many play items, seats, tables, and the barbecues are inclusive/accessible and integrated to holistic design. Bi-lingual, Augmentative and Alternative Communication is represented. We improved accessible car-parking and lowered kerbs so access extended from point of arrival. We added pops of colour to assist low vision; sound, music, and touch for sensory development; and more neutral spaces for those seeking more peace. We chose paints that don’t create glare and considered those who are colour blind.

“We love the fort with the tree stumps to climb up. My son has cerebral palsy and has difficulty getting up most steps but climbs these like a pro!” Online Feedback

We also considered size. Lots of equipment caters to bodies of all sizes, including adults. Adults playing, not just watching from the sidelines, is something we’re proud to have observed a lot. Even those who don’t play (often grandparents) tell us they receive well-being benefits from visiting a space where they witness the joy of play.
Older children said they lose interest in playgrounds as they are no longer challenging. By adding challenging, and competitive elements like our floor is lava obstacle course, we have drawn older children back – and often their parents too.

We genuinely engaged the community and with their advice and support have removed many of the potential barriers to play and gathering. We are proud that most locals and visitors can engage meaningfully with our space.

This is the inspiring journey of transforming a simple idea into a remarkable reality. The story begins with a spark of inspiration during a visit to the Margaret Mahy Playground, leading to a passionate campaign for change and the dream of creating an inclusive all-abilities playspace for the community of Caroline Bay. What unfolds is a tale of assembling a dedicated team, finding the perfect design visionary, gaining support from the local council, and evolving into a community volunteer group. The narrative also delves into the meticulous research and engagement process, the selection of the ideal partners for playground development, and the formation of a structured operation under the Aoraki Foundation. The heart of this story lies in the fundraising plan and strategy, as the project faces both triumphs and challenges along the way. With a strong sense of community and unwavering determination, this journey embodies the spirit of making a difference through collective passion and hard work.

Read more: CPLAY Journey - Owen Jackson (OJ) CPlay Chair

CPlay Playground at Caroline Bay, Timaru, NZ - 1min Overview

Learn about our CPlay project journey, kindly put together by Creo

This flythrough was put together by The Playground Center to help our community visualise the plan for playspace.

This video was put together by Ash Ronald to help promote the project when we were ready to launch our fundraising campaign.

The Destination CPlay Playground at Timaru's Caroline Bay was opened in December 2023 as Timaru's newest all-inclusive, accessible playground for everyone to enjoy. "Well done to all involved in facilitating this amazing new playground, reducing the barriers to play in the local community."