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.

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. - Merle Maddren

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! 

...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. .. 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.  - Chrissi Davidson, Teacher at Waimataitai

"This playground is wonderful.  I t 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 zipline 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. I realise everything costsa lot of money so I’m giving this feedback in the hope that someone will front up the cash for shade sails and toilets on onsite. Those two additions will make it world class. - Jill Robinson, Room 7 Teacher at Waimataitai

AAC Communication Sign

"Understanding Coreboards and Their Usage
Communication is more than just words. For some people, core boards like this one are their voice. Having the core board incorporated into a popular public space is a fantastic step towards normalising different ways of communicating and supporting those who use alternative modes of communication to participate in their community and connect with others. To use a core board, point to the key words in your sentence as you say them, so if I said “do you want to go and play?”, I would point to ‘you’, ‘want’ and ‘play’."
- Lauren Salisbury, Speech-language Therapist | Kaiwhakatikatika reo Kōrero, Child Development Service, South Canterbury, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand

"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

"The signage just keeps adding value to this already amazing space, the committee of volunteers have done a great job in aiming to make the facility accessible and welcoming for all. The addition of this sign just continues that theme that everyone is welcome at CPlay." – Shaun Campbell, Sport Canterbury, Regional Manager – South Canterbury. 

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 playdates 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 

"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 

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 maths. 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

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

"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 eveyone - 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 carnavial 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 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 withput 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

“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