Meanwhile, we’ve been busy…
All of the equipment is now ready and being packed into two containers to bring down to Timaru. The lighthouse is almost complete with just the mesh sides to be assembled. Then the Playground Centre is due to start work on constructing on the ship.
On 20th March, after all the major events have been held at the bay, fences will go up and the work will begin!
All the current equipment within the main part of the playground will be removed so that the earthmovers can begin groundworks.
The metal slide will stay where it is, and we intend to re-install the rope pyramid, mouse wheel and the rocking horse depending on to how easily these items can be re-sited.
The paddling pool, courts and bike skills park will remain accessible through the project.
The top soil will be scraped off, and hard fill will be brought in and contoured to improve drainage, smooth transitions of surfaces for accessibility, and the required surface for mounds, foundations and safety surfaces. Paths will be set out, mounds will be constructed and then the equipment can start to go in.
Plans to improve the storm water drainage.
The playground site is one of the lowest areas at the bay. In heavy rains, the storm water from the surrounding streets can pop the caps of the drains that run underground. This is why we sometimes see storm water pooling over some of the area.
To improve the drainage, TDC has designed swales and rain gardens to be incorporated into the landscaping. For larger events they plan to install a pump chamber underground near the paddling pool area.
Last design details are almost confirmed.
The CPlay design team are currently waiting for the engineering to be signed off on the pataka design for the under 5s area. We are hoping that this can be built with donations and work in kind support from our community.
We are looking at ways to mitigate vandalism and are considering painting the ship if we can source funding.
We are finalising the plan to share stories through art and information boards.
There are a surfacing colours to confirm, planning trees, plants and seats and then we will have completed the major remaining design tasks.
We can't wait to see the fruits of everyone's hard work, voluntary time, and community support. How we play together really matters. And by late September/October hopefully we will all be able to celebrate the opening and make an important impact to our community.
"As chairperson of the project I would like to make a special mention of the CPlay team of volunteers who I am sure when they signed up for this project never dreamed it would be as all consuming as it has been. When we stand shoulder to shoulder at the opening ceremony we can all be incredibly proud of the gift we have created for our community." – OJ (Owen Jackson) CPlay Chairperson
