Design concept by Rushton Architects. Shows the Timaru Suburban Lions bikes skills and large shelter area that they are developing. In the distance you can see the new CPlay playground concepts starting to evolve. It is important to us that while they are separate projects they are developed cohesively. 

The junior play equipment is designed to reflect the traditional food gathering and preparation of local Runanga. 

 This area is intended for the younger kids. The render and design is by Rushton Architects and reflects themes of mahinga kai, food gathering the Caroline Bay area. Here you can see a Pataka styled  tree-house structure with slides and climbing net sits alongside the climbing frame in the shape of a Tirewa drying rack.

The render and design is by Rushton Architects and shows the Timaru Suburban Lions large shelter area that they are developing. The traditional Mokihi Waka is reflected in the seesaws with crawling tunnels symbolising the Hinaki eel traps and the ‘wiggly’ balance beams mimicking the native Iki tuna eels.

For older children, likely to have outgrown the existing playground, we are installing a challenging ninja/obstacle course including 3 m vertical walls, up and over commando nets and other strength and fitness elements set-up side by side to encourage time trials and one on one racing. Older kids will also check out the boat and 7-8 m high slides on the lighthouse before firing up the double rope snake swing built to take 7-9 children at a time.

This render by the Playground Center was designed in colaboration with the CPlay committee. There will be lots of imaginative play here with trampolines, musical instruments, toddler slides, climbing and spinning. The shape is inspired by the tuna (eel).

For the under 5s we are creating an area of mounded ground shaped to explore, tunnel under, roll or slide down, hang and climb, and experience a range of natural textures. Hiding in the kid's area will be an array of native flora and fauna elements that are fun and help tell of the history of maori use of the Timaru coastline. The area will also have musical instruments and other interactive play elements.

For anyone and everyone, there are a wide range of standard, basket and rope swings including multiple inclusive swing options; large carousel (inclusive), rockers and spinners (some inclusive), musical elements and natural features. Another really cool feature not seen elsewhere in Timaru District parks are trampolines including one that can be used by those in wheelchairs.

Lastly, a braided river themed water play area is being included into the design to complement the existing paddling pool area. This play element will involve a series of gates, pumps etc which can be used to move water around and explore flow and ways to change the patterns of a braided river flood plain. This element is planned and will be designed but the timing of its creation may coincide with the playground or may be deferred until a stage two development – watch this space. Thank you to the team at the Playground Center for creating the these renders. There a few tweaks in the pipelines but this is getting really close to the final plan.

What about us older (adult) kids?

Once you peel yourselves off the trampoline, finish reclaiming your youth on the slide and stop racing the grandkids down the flying fox we promise there will be plenty of other elements to keep you happy and comfortable. The playground will be full of seating, with shade and shelter considered. There will be a large sheltered eating area with a significant number of tables suitable for the family or a larger gathering.

Layered over top of all the play equipment will be fantastic historic and heritage imagery, story boards related to our playground themes and other informative and interesting elements. These will be of interest to locals and visitors alike.

Inclusivity

• Integrated play – inclusive equipment is dual-use and shared
• Flush and flat or gently sloped surfacing throughout with >90% of ground surface self-accessible to wheelchair
• A wide range of inclusive play items not just one or two
• Partial accessibility to large figurehead pieces including access to ship deck & captain’s wheel
• Tables and chairs designed for inclusivity
• AAC communication included

History/Heritage

• Themed playground telling part of Timaru’s unique story. Unable to be replicated elsewhere.
• European and Maori maritime story, Maori use of area including mahinga kai, pioneering Timaru spirit
• Native flora and fauna and local geology and geography elements
• Locally relevant imagery and storyboards to interest locals and visitors of all ages

Catering for all ages

• Under 5s. Themed mahinga kai area with mounded ground creating climbing, sliding, rolling elements. Natural textured features, musical elements, rockers/spinners
• 6-10 years. Let’s face it these guys can play on everything and will have the time of their lives across all of our play space
• 10-15 years. Areas, longest flying fox, doubled up for racing. Boat and lighthouse. Challenging ninja/obstacle course elements for competition. Jump touch to test athleticism, large rope snake swings to pile on with friends and get going fast.
• Adults. You will be tempted to give some play stuff a go. Sheltered and shaded tables for families or larger groups, seating throughout, history and heritage elements, storyboards and imagery to pique the interest, and the kids will be well and truly entertained allowing you to have breather.

And how cool is this! A huge shelter to gather and eat! Designed by Rushton Architects as part of the Lions Bikes Skills Park