The Caroline Bay Playground is all-ages, all-abilities playground which can be used to hold outdoor events.

Playground includes; 14.5m long shipwreck, with the main deck on a 45 degree angle, lighthouse themed 7 and 5 M slide tower, floor is lava obstical course, rush to the rescue themed mouse wheel, double cyclops swing, 50m tandum flying fox, mahika kai themed whare and tuna eel areas, accessable equipment including basket swings, spinning bucket, swings, carosuel, trampoline, musical bridge, instruments and a range of musical instruments. Plus art and story sharing signage to help inspire imaginative play. Still to come more story sharing signage and gardens.

Location and Directions:
Where is the playground located?
Caroline Bay, Timaru, accessed by vehicle via Virtue Ave, off Evans St on State Highway 1. Central location of the city, in one of Timaru Districs premier parks.
It is council owned and the project was championed by volunteers with the support of the council, community, donors, suppliers and contractors.

Age Appropriate Areas:
Are there designated play areas for different age groups (e.g., toddlers, older children)?
The playground is designed to cater to a wide range of ages, sizes, abilities, and interests.
There are areas of the playground more suited to children under 5. 

Safety Measures:
What safety features and equipment are in place to ensure children's safety?
The playground has been audited by a accredited and unbiased playground safety auditor, to ensure that The Caroline Bay playground meets the safety standards outlined in NZS5828/EN 1176.
The playground has partial fencing, so not fully enclosed. The paddling pool is surrounded by a pool fence.

Accessibility:
Is the playground accessible for children with disabilities or special needs?
The site has concrete paths, smooth transitions to the rubber and artificial grass play surfaces, and features accessible elements, including a ramp up to the poop deck of the shipwreck.

Bikes:
There are bike stands available. Please keep bikes, scooters etc out of the play areas to help reduce congestion.

Opening Hours:
What are the playground's operating hours and days of operation?
The public playground is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Restrooms:
Are there nearby restroom facilities for children and parents?
The closest toilets are in the community lounge block and the toilet block behind the Caroline Bay Hall.
Please note, we have left space for future toilets in the playground landscape plan. Future toilets would be a Timaru District Council project.

Picnic Areas:
Is there space for families to have a picnic or eat snacks?
Yes, the playground provides picnic areas with electric BBQs and tables.

Shade and Shelter:
Are there shaded areas or shelters to protect from sun or rain?
The playground features shade trees, shade sails, and shelter areas.

Parking:
Is there parking available, and is it free or paid?
Free parking is available, including parallel accessible parking for cars and vans at the north entrance of the playground, near the exit of the bay at Virtue Ave.
Accessible parking is also in front of the playgrounds main entrance and in front of the community lounge / bay hall.

Rules and Regulations:
Are there specific rules or regulations parents should be aware of?
Adult supervision is required at all times, please keep scooters and bikes off the rubber surface to help it last longer. Bikes stands have been provided.

Cleanliness:
How well-maintained is the playground? Is it clean and free of hazards?
The playground features a low-maintenance rubber safety surface that is easy to keep clean and clear of rubbish. 

Amenities:
Are there additional amenities like benches, water fountains, and trash bins?
You'll find rubbish bins, drinking fountains, and seating throughout the playground, including lots of natural grass areas for free play and to kick a ball.

Nearby Attractions:
Are there any other interesting places or attractions nearby?
Nearby attractions include a paddling pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, bike polo court, bike skills park, skate park, frisbee golf, and scenic spots like the calm bay for sand play and penguin-watching at dusk in the summer. There are also paid activities such as mini golf and a miniature train. A summer carnival takes place each year, usually from boxing day for about two weeks over New Years Eve with free public concerts and fireworks display.

Size:
How big is the playground?
The play total area is 18,085.27 m2, including its courts, paddling pool, bike skills park and skatepark,

Key Features:

• Playground with over 40 pieces of play equipment designed to offer a range of options for various ages, stages, abilities and sizes.
• Paddling pool, bike skills park tennis, basketball and bike polo courts, and a skatepark.
• Set in one of Timaru District's premier parks; Caroline Bay.
• Free-to-use double electric BBQ is on the playground by the courts with a shade sail. (And another BBQ by the paddling pool).
• Covered picnic area, and two drinking fountains.
• MyWay shuttle stop.
• Bike racks.
• Mobility friendly.
• Accessible parallel parking.
• Sandy shallow beach for paddling and swimming.
• Paid fun nearby; mini golf, mini train and ice cream and coffee kiosk.
• There are also venues for hire, such as the community lounge, bay hall, and tea rooms.
• A summer carnival operates over boxing day and new year.
• Watch the little pengiuns come ashore to their nests in the rocks, at dusk at various times of the year on Marine Parade.

Pets Policy:
Can they bring pets to the playground, and if so, are there any restrictions?
No dogs are allowed at public playgrounds. This bi-law is enforced by the Timaru District Council.

Cost:
Is there an entrance fee or any associated costs?
The playground is free to use. The new playground was championed by volunteers for the community and is owned and maintained by the Timaru District Council.

Contact Information:
The playground is located at 1 Virtue Ave, Timaru - Caroline Bay Playground. You cannot drive from the Marine Parade or the Loop Road carparks to the playground car park. But you can walk/bike/wheel across the bay via the boardwalk, footpaths and lawns.

Noticed damage, graffiti, rubbish etc?
Please contact The Timaru District Council by using their "Snap, Send, Solve" app or by reporting a problem to them here: timaru.govt.nz/fix-it-form

How can I share some feedback?
Please tell us about your playground experience by submitting our feedback form on our contact page: cplay.co.nz/contact

What additional features can we expect in the future?

We have plans for more furniture, a new signage area, an "story circle," an AAC Core Board for non-verbal individuals, and a sensory garden. We deliberately waited to assess how the playground is received and used over the next few weeks before implementing these. We have designed a shade sail, but at this stage, as we do not have the funds to create and install them it is on our nice-to-have list.

Is there a plan for enhancing accessibility for non-verbal individuals? 
Yes, we are working through the finishing touches to an AAC Core Board for non-verbal individuals, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility within the playground environment. This is in collaboration with the Talk Link Trust.

Will there be more public BBQs? 
We are very grateful to the Timaru Rotary Club who donated new double and accessible BBQs and shade sail to the project. We would love to see more, the limitation at this stage is the amount of power that is available on site.

What has happened to the old equipment?
This went into storage for the Timaru District Council to decide what to do with. The yellow horse and rope pyramid was re-sited, we were given a new mouse wheel and the metal slide stayed as it was.

Are you still fundraising?
At this stage, yes we are still happy to accept donations (via Aoraki Foundation) to go towards the sensory garden.

Who to contact

Noticed damage, graffiti, rubbish etc?  Please contact The Timaru District Council by using their "Snap, Send, Solve" app or by reporting a problem to them here: https://www.timaru.govt.nz/tell-us/fix-it-form For urgent attention to any problem phone Customer Services on 03 687 7200.

Booking the playground 

Timaru District Council parks are available for many casual uses. Most of the time areas are available to use for low impact activities at any time during the day. If you are planning an organized event where the use of a park is important to that event taking place, The Council recommends making a booking for your preferred location and time. You can make a booking by contacting the Council directly by phone (03) 687 7200 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also book venues, like the playground online: timaru.bookable.co.nz