Extensive offering . . . Artist impressions of some of the features of the new playground planned for Caroline Bay, showing a range of access to the ship, a large accessible carousel, opportunities for risk taking on a custom mokihi›inspired seesaw and teamwork on the tandem snake swing.

THE COURIER

CPlay wants to get South Canterbury moving and playing — but to do that, it needs a big push to reach the $2.2 million target for the exciting new playground at Caroline Bay.

The CPlay committee aims to raise the final $350,000 by April, so as to be construction-ready by August.

It will mean committee members will finally be able to show the community the result of hours of planning and design and careful selection of playground elements to ensure each and every one is the best it can possibly be.

That’s meant looking at every piece of equipment and thinking about how it can be used, and if all ages, abilities and sizes could use it

— could an IHC adult use it? Can grandparents and caregivers participate? Can a child in a wheelchair access as much of the playground as possible?

More than 40 elements will come together to create an inclusive, destination playground unlike any other in the Timaru district, if not New Zealand, with spaces for all ages from small children through to teenagers.

Committee members are keen to get children back outside playing, having fun and challenging themselves, with the playground offering opportunities to move their bodies in a multitude of different ways, developing skills, coordination, confidence and fitness. While playgrounds have long had swings and slides, the new playground will also mean children are able to play music, throw a ball, climb, balance and bounce, crawl, rock and spin. ‘‘Every single element has been thought through. This is an original design on steroids. ‘‘This will be a playground that you will not see anywhere else in New Zealand.’’