Brought to you by the CPlay volunteers with the support of the Timaru District Council, Aorowhenua, Aoraki Foundation, community, and key contractors.

LOCATION: Caroline Bay, Timaru

OVERVIEW:

The order of the sections in your case study overview is generally good, but some reordering and slight adjustments can improve clarity and flow. Here’s a revised structure:

OVERVIEW:

Introduction and Vision:

• CPlay's vision is to create an inclusive destination playground for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Emphasis and priority on inclusivity, local heritage, and setting a standard for designing public spaces.

1. Project Background:

• Voluntary effort for over 5 years to rejuvenate an existing play space and create a destination playground at Caroline Bay Timaru.
• At the time of opening, it was one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and won the Recreation Aotearoa 2024 Play Space of the Year award (for a playspace budget over $500k).

Community Collaboration:

• Community collaboration was crucial in the project's success, with various groups in Timaru involved, including a representative from mana whenua, Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua, who joined the committee as a volunteer.
• The playground design includes equipment for different age groups, sensory components, and other inclusive features based on community feedback.

Support and Funding:

• Timaru District Council supported CPlay with initial funding through an LTP submission, provided oversight to ensure design and maintenance ambitions were met, assigned a joint project manager as a crucial step, supported contract management, and took ownership of the space once it was completed. Importantly, they allowed CPlay to maintain its unique approach and operate independently.
• 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.
• Generous contributions from donors provided essential funding for the project.

Design and Construction:

• Design efforts involved the community and industry partners, with Rooney Earthmoving, Creo, and Playground Centre playing key contractor roles.
• Professional Contractors polished our designs, turning concepts into functional working drawings, fixed contracts (TDC procurement processes & joint Project Manager), worked closely with our Project Manager and Design Team, and were critically willing to adapt (where possible/appropriate) on the fly.
• Design highlights include a bespoke lighthouse, shipwreck, bespoke whare, surface design, and artwork.
• The playground shares stories for visual appeal, to inspire imaginative play and help people learn about the area to better know themselves.

Outcome and Impact:

• The playground aims to provide a range of play options so there is something for everyone, allowing people of all ages, abilities, sizes, and interests to play together.
• The project's success is attributed to the collective efforts of playground users, volunteers, council, designers, and workers.

CPlays Roles and Responsibilities included:

• Fundraising ($3M).
• Community Consultation (more than 30 individual groups + general public/events).
• Project Communication (social media, website, radio, media).
• Conceptual design and design oversight.
• Project management (joint role).
• Joint Steering Group Representation.
• Playground Activation.

Positives of Approach

• More readily trusted by the community.
• Able to carefully separate fundraising and consultation.
• We didn’t start with a plan – gave freedom and ownership to the community.
• Because we had ownership over key outcomes and processes we were willing to give more!
• Not being a legal entity (but being supported by legal entities was critical).

The Vision

• Fun Over 40 pieces of play equipment, many with bespoke designs to inspire imaginative play and build healthier and stronger bodies, and happier minds.
• Inclusive For a range of ages, stages, abilities, and sizes.
• Challenging Play to keep people engaged as they develop and grow.
• Meaningful The design was inspired by stories and history of local people and places and of a standard able to be used in education (while still being fun).

TIMEFRAME: Five years from first funding received to planning and consultation by local volunteers with professional playground designers and suppliers. Open 6 December 2023. 

BUDGET: 3 Million NZD. Fundraised from community individuals, clubs, societies, grants, work in kind, and the Timaru District Council. Generous contributions were essential, showcasing what the community can achieve when united in purpose.

ABOVE: Fundsraised and funds spent.

Through a community initiative, CPlay volunteers collaborated with various groups in Timaru to guarantee that the playground would be inclusive and reflect the local narrative. Understanding and catering to the community’s genuine desires was crucial for the playgrounds success. The new additions include playground equipment for various age groups, stages, abilities, sensory components, and other inclusive features— all based on community feedback.

THE STORY: 2.5 million years ago, lava flowed like fingers from Waipouri Mt Horrible to what is now the sea. This is the most recent volcanic activity in New Zealand. This gave Te Tihi o Maru, Timaru its rolling hills and reefs. Dust from glaciers carving the rocks, blew in and settled here forming the loess layers that we see today at the Caroline Bay cliffs. These cliffs are some of the best examples of of loess deposits in the world and are studied internationally to better understand climate change.

The reefs, lagoons and wetlands provided an amazing habitat for flora and fauna. So when people arrived, it became and important source of food for mahika kai (practice of food gathering). Early Māori groups like Waitaha, Rapuwai, and Kati Mamoe would collect food from Waitarakao (Washdyke Lagoon) and head to the West Coast to gather pounamu. Today, Arowhenua is the local marae. 'Ka hāhā te tuna ki te roto; ka hāhā te reo ke te kaika; ka hāhā te takata ki te whenua' - If there is no tuna (eels) in the lake; there will be no language or culture resounding in the home; and no people on the land; however, if there are tuna in the lake; language and culture will thrive; and the people will live proudly on the land - Nā Charisma Rangipuna i tuhi

Europeans arrived in the area to hunt for seals and whales in the late 1830s. The Pohatu-koko stream was one of the whalers camp sites, and they nicknamed the stream, Whales Creek. This is now pipied under the playground to the Caroline Bay shore. Timaru transitioned from a whaling spot to a hub for South Canterbury. The sea was a critical connection for the area to the rest of the country and the world. However, it was gaining a reputation as a ships graveyard, and over 30 ships in 18 years found themselves wrecked or stranded along the Caroline Bay coastline. This led to the establishment of the Alexandra lifeboat crew and the Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade, whose goal was to rescue passengers and crews from ships. They rushed to the rescue many times and saved over 100 people. A harbour was constructed to provide safer and more efficient handling of crews, cargo and ships. This created a huge opportunity for the area, which was often referred to as the food bowl of the country. The harbour changed the way sediment moved up the coast, and the stony shore line started to accumulate sand. The artificial bay grew and provided a new sandy bay. over a century on, people still play at the bay, enjoying the natural beauty and the facilities that have developed there. Many of these are from the efforts of community and volunteers including the Caroline Bay Playground that was upgraded and opened 2024.  

The stories and history of the area such as its geological foundations to the local Maori heritage and the European arrivals, inspired the playground design.

SCALE: The wider playground area including CPlay covers a whopping 18,085.27 m2, This includes a bike skills park, skatepark, courts and paddling pool. At the time it opened it was one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

DESIGN: Particular design highlights include the bespoke lighthouse and shipwreck, complemented by landscaping and surface design that creates a journey into history and local heritage. Every part of this playground tells a story, incorporating careful planning and artistic intent, making it unique and visually captivating. Key areas:

1. Shipwreck and Lighthouse
2. Inka Tuna (Eel)
3. Mahika Kai, Whare Area
4. Floor is Lava / Ninja Fitness Obstacle Course Area
5. Flying fox, mouse wheel and cyclops swings
6. Swings

OUTCOME: 

• Unique destination playground built for local community and visitors.
• Designed to appeal to a range of ages, stages, sizes, abilities, and interests.
• Features bespoke equipment, inclusive design, and local storytelling.
• Initiated and driven by community volunteers (CPlay).
• Collaboration model involving multiple stakeholders including Timaru District Council and Aoraki Foundation Trust.
• Demonstrated collaboration and cultural inclusion.
• Utilized processes supporting accessibility and inclusivity.
• Community engagement and involvement originated from community vision.
• Engaged diverse sectors for input on design and fundraising.
• Achieved goals of fun, accessibility, challenge, and meaning.
• Integration of Maori and other cultures' perspectives.
• Consistent large visitor numbers and positive feedback.
• Educational opportunities for schools and families.
• Positive impact on local businesses and community identity.
• Efficient and effective budget and resource management.
• Diverse fundraising efforts and careful cost control.
• Heavy reliance on volunteerism and in-kind contributions.
• Environmental sustainability through material selection and design.
• Social sustainability through inclusive design and community ownership.
• Considered diverse perspectives in design and engagement.
• Created a space appealing to a wide range of community members.
• Gave free public guided tours to the community to share stories and history that inspired the playground. 
• Supplied resources for educators to support their visit to the playground.

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

"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

"Timaru’s new CPlay playground is the latest educational tool for the Heritage Education Service, based at the South Canterbury Museum... . 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... . 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

"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, Parents.

"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.

"... . 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, Grandparent

"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, parent

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