We set out to achieve four outcomes: fun, accessible, challenging, meaningful. The result was epic! Some achievements that should be applied to other projects:

Comprehensive and genuine engagement.

We went to community with a blank page, not an entrenched philosophy, allowing genuine contributions. We didn’t limit conversations to “obvious groups” but spoke to many diverse sectors like children, families, disability, health, education, heritage, art, sport, tourism, age concern, voluntary, and business. We separated conversations on design, from those on fundraising which enhanced community trust. We communicated throughout our journey via personal interactions, social media, website and events which demonstrated community had been heard, and opened opportunities for ongoing feedback.

Partnering with Maori and involving other cultures.

We established a relationship with mana whenua early, that enabled integration of of Māori art, design and te reo. The result is authentic Maori and European stories interwoven together, not one tacked onto the other. We engaged our Pasifika community enabling elements that nod to our pacific roots.

We made every decision to maximise the ages and abilities included.

Inclusivity to us is not just about wheelchair users, a single physical disability, an age group or culture, or a certain spatial area. It’s about everyone. Every design decision was scrutinised to maximise who would be able to, and would want to, interact. This led to features like integrated play, accessible barbecues, tables and seating. Flat, flush surfacing. Many inclusive and wheelchair friendly items. Wheelchair access onto areas of the figurehead shipwreck. Instruments, signage, play panels, at accessible heights/locations. Considered accessible parking, and ensured accessibility from point of arrival to, and within, the playground. We worked to ensure everyone has options to join in the fun.

Themed to local stories, linked into education, and the goals of local heritage and art facilities. Local geological, Māori, European, agricultural and environmental stories through bespoke equipment, surfacing, landscaping, graphics and art. School groups visit, not just to play, but for outdoor learning experiences, that fit curriculum goals of local history and te ao Māori. Art is distributed throughout to foster creativity. Engaging and fun learning for all, that boosts wellbeing and lifts identity.

We collaborated effectively with District Council, charitable trust, private and specialist consultants. This collaboration maximised the strengths of multiple community sectors, enhanced outcomes, shared resource and financial burden, and is an example of community and councils working together to deliver great service outcomes.

Our goals

Our goals were a fun, accessible, challenging, meaningful space. Consistently large numbers now visit – many times those of the previous playground. Feedback is plentiful and positive. Art, history, and learning is cleverly included. Schools are engaging in the space. Māori culture and language are interwoven throughout. Accessibility and inclusiveness mean many who have missed out can gather, play and engage.

The community support enabled what we achieved, so we highlight their voices in this section.

“ . . .as a mother of a child with a physical disability and an able-bodied son the playground has meant so much to our family. Watching my 2 children play on the playground for the first time, and BOTH be happy bought tears to my eyes. Playgrounds have been avoided in our family as its been “too hard”. BUT NOT NOW!!! . . . Sarah and Che’ Latta”

“The curriculum refresh for schools has a local focus. For South Canterbury, topics of interest are the natural environment (geology), migration (Māori and European), mahika kai and how the town developed and why. These topics are covered by the playground. Play based learning is something schools are interested in and research shows that this helps with everything from reading and writing to maths.” Keely Kroning (Museum Educator)

“ . . . I joined a guided tour to learn about the history and stories of the playground. . . My favourite was learning about the rocket brigade. My family were just as intrigued as me especially my 16 year old Grandson . . . Merle Maddren”

“We have had families come into the restaurant that said they made a stop in Timaru while traveling just to check out the new playground and 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." – Clarissa Doran, The Oxford Restaurant.

"People enjoying CPlay have been too numerous to count at busy times. Ages of users range from 2 – 92. CPlay is used from dawn to dusk and it has been difficult to find time to clean and inspect . . . The popularity is fifteen times that of the previous playground at the same site as evidenced by having to install additional waste and recycling bins." Bill Steans – TDC Parks Manager.