A big part of the CPlay budget will improve landscaping and surfacing.
CPlay is upgrading the surfacing for 7000 m square of the playground to make sure that the access surface is suitable. (This excludes the paddling pool, courts and bike park areas).
Tuna area = 497 m square
Mahinga kai area = 225 m square
Lighthouse/shipwreck area = 582 m square
Flying fox area = 798 m square
Floor is lava, obstacle course area = 710 m square
For the areas with fall zones, that require specific surfacing to meet safety requirements... we plan to use, non toxic, sustainable pour-and-play surfacing (wet pour rubber safety surface using recycled tyres and sustainable natural rubber). This will use up a big part of our budget, but is worth it for accessibility, safety, hygiene, aesthetics and maintenance.
We have learnt from experience and our community consultation that alternatives like bark surfaces are:
- difficult for mobility devices
- can splinter bare feet
- can be eaten by kids
- can be treated with allergens or toxins
- is subject to microbial growth when it gets wet
- can be displaced and uneven affecting safety for soft fall areas
- can hide rubbish
- and needs regular replenishing and raking.
it's well worth investing in the new playgrounds surfacing.
We are proud to help reinforce, that we can teach our kids from day dot that everyone can and should be able to play together - and while offering better accessibility is not the most affordable option, or easy, it is possible and it is important.
Inclusivity is one of our cornerstone goals as volunteers - helping to make sure everyone can play together, have heaps of fun and move for healthier bodies and minds.
Thank you so much to our committee member John Rushton who has been instrumental in creating the landscaping design as a gift to the project.
