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