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Sneak peek . . . Staff at The Playground Centre in Whanganui inspect the design, manufacture and construction of the four›storey lighthouse slide tower for the new Caroline Bay Playground. The frame was pre› assembled in order to check the fit and run through safety and quality checks. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Construction on Timaru’s new Caroline Bay playground has been pushed out to early next year.
CPlay chairman Owen Jackson said the process of project management and design refinement and specification had taken longer than expected, and there had been an increase in estimated costs.
‘‘We realised as a committee that, if we were to break ground this year, it would mean the playground would be fenced off to the public right through summer holidays, including carnival and pre›booked events. We felt it was in the best community interest not to do this, and use the extra time to ensure the best outcome for everyone.’’
The committee aims to begin construction by March 2023.
Mr Jackson said once the fundraising target had been reached, the committee was able to engage with a professional playground auditor to ensure it ‘‘ticked all the boxes’’ for best practice and health and safety.
The committee then handed over its community›led concept design to playground architects Creo to create working drawings, which provide a guide for the construction of the playground and specify areas including ground preparation, placement of equipment and safety requirements and surface types.
‘‘Working drawings have enabled more detailed estimates, and unfortunately, just like many build projects across the country, we saw an increase in some of the estimated costs which — if not addressed — would mean our project costs would be greater than the $2.5 million we raised together as a community.’’
Mr Jackson said the potential cost increases only applied to around half of the budget, as the committee had locked in the playground equipment supply contract — including the large bespoke items — at a fixed price earlier this year.
That equipment, ordered earlier in the year, was in the process of being made.
‘‘Some is coming from around the world, and the bespoke items like the lighthouse, ship, flying fox etc are being prefabricated as we speak.’’
The CPlay committee was now working to bring the project budget and design to a level that best served the community and CPlay’s supporters.
‘‘We will not commit to any formal agreement on these aspects of the playground until we know we can deliver what the community expects at a price we can afford. Reducing the costs without compromising the quality is key.’’
Mr Jackson said the committee was confident there were several options to reduce costs while not compromising on the quality and functionality of the play space.
‘‘We have also executed a plan to apply for further funding to bridge the gap that is left between our currently raised funds and any possible shortfall that remains after we have fully confirmed and refined our budget.
‘‘We do not intend to go back the community or business for further funds.
‘‘However our door is obviously open to anyone who would like to discuss ways to support the project, and we will be looking for skilled members of the community to assist us with work in kind.’’