Compelling community support

Chief Executive Officer

“Congratulations to all those involved in the Cplay project .The Community Trust is excited to be able to grant to see the project completed. It meets our vision of a “vibrant” community bringing children and parents together to explore and have fun in a wonderful playground. It will be a huge asset to the South Canterbury community and attract visitors who can engage in the playground but also learn something of the history of this area. You are such a passionate group and looking forward to seeing the end result in the next year”.

Timaru District Mayor

“Caroline Bay is one of our district's best attractions and it’s exciting to be backing the creation of a high-quality new play space for residents and visitors. Timaru District has always been an incredibly family friendly place, and this great new asset will be enjoyed by kids for years to come.”

Parks & Recreation Manager Timaru District Council

"The play equipment is getting old with some of it dating back to the 1950s and 60s era and it’s time to repurpose it. Over the last 60 years we have a better understanding of children’s needs so that we can now offer more stimulating and inclusive play opportunities. We are thrilled to see such an energetic group working with Council. Working together we can deliver an awesome destination for children and their families to play. When I speak to people from around the country and say I’m from Timaru, they say, “Oh, Caroline Bay.” So everyone knows Caroline Bay meaning it’s definitely the right place for a destination playground."

CPlay Member. Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua

“Kotahitanga is the concept of togetherness. We have come together for our Hapori (community) to create a wonderful treasure. We are looking forward to sharing stories with our mokopuna while we play. This is the first time in South Canterbury where stories inspired by the sea and some of the local creation legends will be shared in a outdoor play space. Locals and visitors can informally learn and reflect on how Māori and European settlers made Te Tihi-o-Maru, Timaru, an important stop on their journey and their home.”

CPlay Member. WuHoo Timaru

“The more recent chapter of Timaru's story was the arrival of European settlers. Timaru was getting a reputation as a ship graveyard, and we needed to build a safe and efficient harbour. This was very challenging due to the way the sediment moved along the coast, and at times political. The Port of Timaru enabled the district to grow. There was also a rapid change to the coastline, such as increased erosion and a new sandy bay. This playground will include many elements of the story so far, including a shipwreck and lighthouse. These playful elements connect to our environment, heritage and culture. They can help us reflect and offer critical thinking. An interesting way to help our community and visitors learn and connect while they play.” 

Museum Educator South Canterbury Museum
BSc, Dip Env Tech, Dip Teaching and Learning

Learning is a lifelong journey and can happen anywhere. Learning about our history helps us to find a sense of belonging that helps us explore the wider world.

Learning is moving, communicating, noticing, interacting, wondering and experimenting, all things that people will be able to do at CPlay.

As an educator based at the South Canterbury Museum I can see that CPlay will be an asset in helping young people learn about the history of South Canterbury. From Mahikakai (food trails) to the Rocket Brigade, locals stories will be easily accessible to all visitors to the Bay.

Imagine a class of 7 and 8 year olds visiting Caroline Bay to learn about our shipping history. To the South the can see the port and to the North they can see Dashing Rocks where many of the ships were wrecked. The educator calls them all to board the ship in the middle of the playground and from here they can see the cargo ‘floating’ away on the sea. Who will save them? Never fear the Rocket Brigade is hear! Over to the flying fox to be rescued from the crow’s nest of the ship. This is the kind of experience that will engage all children and the adults that are with them.

We often find after class visits to the museum and other areas of significant history that students go on to talk with their families and share the information that they have learned. We know that this will happen at CPlay as well. What a great way for young people and older people to build relationship, discussing the events that happened in a place that all South Canterbury people share. Grandparents might not be old enough to remember the ship wrecks but this story telling will provide opportunities for people to say “When I was young we used to come to the Bay and go on the giant wooden slide” or “When I was a kid we used to go eeling and get a feed that Mum would cook up for us”. These inter-generational moments help anchor our young people and in these uncertain times understanding where you come from and what has shaped the area around you is more important than ever.

Rushton Architects CPlay Member

"I am excited to be involved by volunteering my time and offering my specialist design skill insights in the proposed new C-Play playground with the ultimate goal of creating a valuable resource for our youth and the local community. My belief is that design is all about creative spaces inspired for the whole of life, including play. 

Caroline Bay has many valuable stories to retell from our past in forming the community we have today. Stories of finding shelter, to gather and grow kai, produce and products. Stories of calm and stormy times. Stories of both local iwi and European settlers alike. The local stories that are informing the design of the playground. Our new CPlay playground will reflect the stories of our past along with carrying our cultural vision into the future of what makes our place here so special, through the experience of Child directed PLAY." -

Playground Centre

“We are thrilled to partner with CPlay to develop one of the best community Playgrounds. One that brings to life the unique ‘Story of Timaru! This is promising to be a popular destination for locals and visitors alike for generations to come!”

Project Manager CPlay Member

“This complex project is being managed by a joint steering group with CPlay and TDC to ensure every aspect of the finance, planning and build are well considered and organized. Many volunteers are coming together to offer their expertise. This work in kind also ensures that less is spent on overheads, and free's up funds for the playground.”

CPlay Member

“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.” 

Timaru Suburban Lions and Bike Skills Park Committee Chairman

"When we began the Lions South Canterbury Bike Skills Park at Caroline Bay we didn’t know another exciting project, CPlay, would be constructed right ‘next door’. The two projects complement each other, together enhancing the family friendly facilities at Caroline Bay. The Bike Skills Park shelter will be in the shape of a Māori waka, blending in with the play space theme of journeys over sea. From the shelter both the Bike Skills Park and the CPlay inclusive playground will be accessed. Timaru Suburban Lions are proud to bring the Bike Skills Park to the families of South Canterbury, and look forward to the construction of the CPlay project, what a destination this part of Caroline Bay will be."

Child and Family Psychologist, Family Works

"In my work as a Child and Family Psychologist at Family Works, I am fortunate to meet many of the children and families in our local community. I meet these children and families for a wide range of reasons, from them feeling really worried or sad, to having trouble with relationships, in their family or with their peers. Some simply need more skills in their ‘toolbox’ for dealing with life. I am confident that CPlay will help the children and families I meet to strengthen their relationships and to build their ‘toolbox’ of life-skills.

I believe that CPlay can become a fun place where families want to be, and that play, and all the benefits that go with it, will flow in our community.

A physical environment, such as CPlay, that allows children and adults to play together sets the stage for the building of strong and positive relationships. It allows children and adults to be together, to try out new ideas, to experience new feelings, to problem solve, and to gain a sense of mastery and control. They can develop language and social skills, develop feelings of confidence and self-worth. Through play, children, and adults, can build a store of shared positive experiences to draw upon when times get tough.

For many of the parents I work with, play feels really tough – like it doesn’t come naturally. Some parents feel that they just don’t know how to play. I believe that CPlay will motivate families to want to play and be an accessible place to do it; it will make play that bit easier and more natural.

I am very excited to support the building of the new CPlay playground."

Respiratory and General Medicine Physician South Canterbury DHB

"One of the key things we learned during the pandemic was the importance of ventilation in mitigating the transmission of COVID-19. Epidemiologic studies show that it’s much safer meeting outdoors than inside. Secondly, outdoor play and exercise are important activities that we can do for our mental and physical health, especially as a fit heart and muscles can help someone who does become unwell with a respiratory virus, recover better. CPlay can offer people a safer place to meet and play, while giving our community a beautiful place to improve our health."

Occupational Therapist South Canterbury DHB

"As an Occupational Therapist we help people to engage in tasks around everyday activities of work, self care and leisure. Playgrounds have a huge therapeutic value for growing children of all ages. They assist in the development of a child’s skills around sensation, fine and motor gross coordination, eye to hand or foot coordination, balance, muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness to name a few. They also help a child learn skills around communication, social skills, collaborative play and imaginative play. I love the idea that this new playground is built around the history and themes of South Canterbury. This gives the children a tie to the history and culture and an identify to the area, something that will have a long lasting effect." - October 2021

Physiotherapist Myphysio

"As physios, we see everyday how improving co-ordination, balance, positional awareness and flexibility, along with exercise can help reduce injuries - particularly when children are developing into adolescents. Only 7% of people aged 5–17 met the Ministry of Health guidelines of at least one hour of moderate to vigorous activity a day. The new playground is going to be an awesome way to improve this and encourage more people to play and exercise. CPlay’s equipment is diverse enough for a range of ages and abilities to help our community be more well-rounded physically and mentally and to maximise their future well-being."

Podiatrist and Director of Aubrey Podiatry

"Benefits Of Play Barefoot

When a child walks with bare feet, not only does it improves walking, balancing and movement, it also can provide a range of health benefits.

It is important that young children run around barefoot in safe environment to improve their foot and lower leg muscle strength and balance and posture. It engages the feet’s arches, strengthening them, and improves the alignment of muscles throughout the legs. It can also help the nervous system as they are many pressure points in the feet conveying messages to the rest of the body.

A child senses are heighten by what they feel through their feet this also helps their proprioception where their feet are in space which in turn helps with their balance and makes their bodies more where on the space they are in making their more stable in their environment.

Generally outdoor play is good for muscle development and strength as a children develop.

You must take into the safety concerns of barefoot walking – Sunscreen on to and underneath the feet, watch for hazards sticks, glass and sharp stones.

CPlay will be invaluable to help South Canterburian and others in surrounding areas strengthening young childrens foot and lower limb muscles."

Executive Officer Aoraki Foundation

"The Aoraki Foundation is our region's Community Foundation. We manage funds given by generous locals for the benefit of South Canterbury, and are proud to partner with CPlay by managing their funds. This project offers social, health and connectivity outcomes to our region. If you donate, you will receive a donation receipt from us, and you can use this to claim a 33% tax rebate on your donation.“

Child Development Specialist

"Outdoor play environments like CPlay can provide our children with opportunities not only to move but also to learn risk taking, turn taking all of those social skills which develop our children into whole people. We all want as parents the same thing for our children, we want them to grow into independent and creative young beings who will move through the world confidently. This is the one most important thing we can do as parents for our children." 

"Our staff have been able to share their knowledge regarding accessibility, sensory and other developmental considerations which have been of high priority for the committee in the planning of the playground. In particular we were able to have a good discussion around accessibility and inclusion for children who access our service. We look forward to seeing the playground completed as a valuable resource for all children in our district." - Extract from Child Development Service, South Canterbury District Health Board, Letter of Support. 19 October 2020

"I have been watching the incredible amount of hard work OJ and the CPlay team have been doing to raise funds for this stunning new playground. I've seen the plans, heard the vision and knew I wanted to help. I used to come to Timaru as a child and play down the Bay, it's a wonderful memory that has always stayed with me. This passionate group of volunteers are working so hard for us and future generations, please Timaru -I encourage you all to get behind this amazing project.” 

Principal Timaru Girls High School

“Caroline Bay is such a wonderful asset for Timaru and it is a place where people go to gather and connect. Play areas do not just have to be reserved for children. Teenagers should also have a place that they can go to, to relax and play (or in teenage terms, hangout).”

C-Play has an opportunity to create an amazing inclusive space. Imagine being the only playground in the country that provides for ALL children not just those who are able bodied."  -  Extract from email - Kirsten Stevens, SENCO representative of Mountainview High School. 16 November 2020

ECE Educator Past CPlay Member

“In the first 3 years a child's brain develops faster than at any other time in their lives. Research shows how open ended play helps tamariki investigate, explore and problem solve to build a child’s prefrontal cortex and create pathways that lead into their later lives. Playing with caring trusted adults is essential for children’s social and emotional development. Advancing their gross motors skills (crawling, climbing, jumping etc) can also impact a child’s literacy development. This CPlay project can help all children reach their  potential by offering something challenging, whanau friendly and developmentally appropriate for our youngest pepi to explore.

Operations Manager Venture Timaru

“We’d love to have a really awesome playground to promote as a leading attraction for Timaru District and to have it located in the heart of Caroline Bay is perfect! Families are one of our key target market groups that we attract as visitors to Timaru District.”

MP for Rangitata

"The playground is a fantastic opportunity to help provide more enjoyable facilities for tamariki, whanau and visitors to our region... I am impressed with the proposed plans, particularly the inclusive aspect for he playground. Everyone at every ability has been catered for. It is a truly inclusive design that will see people travel to Timaru to play. And it looks fun and inviting!”

Mother of two

“Timaru is very fortunate to have many community playgrounds in the district. Each offers differing levels of play and fun, a few are more suited to older kids, while some suit younger kids. I do feel there is a real need for a playground that better caters for a range of ages and abilities. Caroline Bay is a family favourite and we visit even more now with the addition of the Bike Skills Park. I feel there is an opportunity to upgrade the playground, it would be a real asset for everyone in the Timaru District, and a drawcard for visitors to the region who will see how great Timaru is for families and potentially settle here. The CPlay project is so exciting, we can't wait to play here.”

Timaru Civic Trust

“With strong links to our local heritage it will be a great asset for our community and for the education of our tamariki. Such an inspirational public asset will enhance our civic realm and create a new place of beauty within our CBD and district as a whole. It is for these reasons that the Timaru Civic Trust Board has decided to pledge $50,000 to the construction of CPLAY. Great community’s take the effort of dedicated people to make what seems impossible happen. It is great to see CPLAY has such a dedicated group of volunteers to get this project off the ground. The Timaru Civic Trust recognises this effort and wish to thank the CPLAY group for working towards bringing Timaru this tremendous facility.”

 General Manager Multicultural Aoraki

The proposed upgrade of the playground will be fantastic for newcomers to Timaru as it will provide an inclusive meeting place for families whilst educating them informally on our history.” 

Preen - Womens Clothing

"Preen & Miss Timaru have enjoyed helping style lovely ladies for many years. We have been lucky enough to see and be a part of many families growing up in community. The new playground is going to make a big impact and bring enjoyment for so many families including our own. What a fabulous project.”