It has been a team effort to bring the playground's latest addition, the "Rush to the Rescue" mouse wheel to Caroline Bay. It's all ready to go to inspire imaginative play and provide some interest and educational value too.

On one side of the mouse wheel, you'll see a map showing today's coastline compared to the old coastline before the breakwater of Timaru's port was built, details the location of the shipwrecks and refloats, when they got into trouble, what cargo they were carrying and who helped rescue them.

On the other side of the mouse wheel, you can choose your shipwreck story scenario, choose your crew, and rush to the rescue.
Maybe you'll pretend you're on the Alexandra Lifeboat, and while on the Cyclops swing, imagine you're riding the breaking waves to launch the crew to help a ship and crew in trouble.

Or maybe you'll pretend you're with the Voluntary Timaru Rocket Brigade and are launching the rocket and a rope to a ship in trouble so the crew can use a flying fox from the crow's nest to reach the safety of the shore.

See if you can work out what the ship cat is up to!

CPlay Volunteer Roselyn Fauth said... "We learnt during our community consultation that people wanted a themed playground that was inspired by Caroline Bay's stories. They wanted to have fun, challenging playground with options for different ages, stages, abilities and sizes so more people could play together.

The mouse wheel was an play item that people loved, particulary popular with the older children, teenagers and adults. So we looked at how we could incorporate it into the playgrounds themes and find the best location for the older playground users.

Rush to the rescue can inspired people to pretend they are on a sea rescue mission, just like those who played important roles saving over 140 lives Timaru's shipwreck history.

The graphic design was inspired by maritime flags and stories. We wanted it to look nutral and not too "whimsy" so the older kids felt like it was for them. The colour links to the iconic red and white colour scheme of the lighthouse.

Thank you to our supporters, donors, suppliers and contractors who have pulled out all the stops to create the new playground at Caroline Bay, we can't wait to play together."

1st October 2023 the mouse wheel, purchased by Timaru District Council, arrived at the Caroline Bay Playground. Here you can see the Hilton Haulage and Curle Contracting teams working together to bring it on site.

The new Caroline Bay playground, championed and fundraised for by CPlay volunteers with the support of the Timaru Distrcit Council, and is set to provide an inclusive, fun and challenging space for everyone to enjoy. Hilton Haulage donated $50,000 towards to the project.

Background

The "Rush to the Rescue" mouse wheel theme was designed by CPlay volunteer Roselyn Fauth, who learned about the shipwreck history from the South Canterbury Museum, reading Papers Past and many books on the shipwreck history of Timaru's coastline. Roselyn set out to create a signwriting attraction that would engage visitors of all ages, combine history, education, and inspire imaginative play.

Educational Elements

A primary feature of the attraction is a map that juxtaposes the current coastline with its pre-harbor construction appearance. This visual aid highlights the locations of shipwrecks, salvage operations, cargo details, and rescue efforts. The map serves as an educational resource, enriching visitors with insights into the maritime history of the area.

Interactive Play

On the reverse side of the mouse wheel, visitors are offered an interactive shipwreck scenario. This feature allows individuals to select their shipwreck adventure, assemble a crew, and simulate a rescue mission. Whether picturing themselves as part of the Alexandra Lifeboat crew navigating the cyclops swing to save a distressed ship or aiding the Voluntary Timaru Rocket Brigade in launching a rescue rocket via the flying fox, visitors are encouraged to engage their imagination and creativity.

Contributors

The success of this project hinged on the collaborative efforts of various contributors:

• Roctopus: Provided the mouse wheel and played a significant role in its realization.
• Timaru District Council: Funded the mouse wheel.
• Roselyn Fauth: Designed the graphics.
• Branded Kiwi: Executed the signwriting.
• Hilton Haulage: Ensured the safe transportation and hiab lift.
• Curle Construction: Expertly handled the installation.

Community Involvement

The development of the new Caroline Bay playground, featuring the "Rush to the Rescue" attraction, was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the community volunteer group, CPlay. The Timaru District Council lent invaluable support to this endeavor.

Conclusion

The "Rush to the Rescue" mouse wheel at Caroline Bay's playground stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and creative storytelling. By combining education with imaginative play, it not only enriches the visitor experience but also contributes to the preservation of Timaru's maritime history.

This case study highlights the importance of community involvement, creative design, and a commitment to providing an engaging and educational space for all. The "Rush to the Rescue" attraction is set to be a highlight at Caroline Bay's new playground, eagerly anticipated for its opening just before Christmas.

The Rocktopus Mouse Wheel in the Branded Kiwi work shop ready to be signwritten.

Shipwreck history panel graphic design by Roselyn Fauth

Resources for schools

Timaru Shipwrecks 1864 - 1892

1864 Herald. Wrecked
1868 William Miskin. Barque Refloated
1866 Prince Consort. Schooner Wrecked
1868 Despatch. Schooner Wrecked
1869 Susan Jane. Schooner Wrecked
1869 Collingwood. Steamer Wrecked
1870 Aurora. Barque Refloated
1870 Layard. Schooner Wrecked
1873 Lady of the Lake. Barque Refloated
1873 Wanderer. Brigantine Refloated.
1873 Duke of Endinbrough. Brigantine Wrecked
1873 Fairy Queen. Ketch Wrecked
1875 Princess Alice. Ketch Wrecked
1875 Cyrene. Steamship Wrecked
1877 Craig Ellachie. Iron ship Wrecked
1877 Isabella Ridley. Schooner Wrecked
1878 Glimpse. Brigantine Wrecked
1878 Fanny. Brigantine Wrecked
1878 Lapwing. Iron ship Wrecked
1878 Melrose. Steamer Wrecked
1879 John Watson. Barque Refloated
1879 Pelican. Brigantine Wrecked
1879 Akbar. Ketch Wrecked
1881 Amaranth. Barque Refloated
1882 Ben Venue. Brigantine Wrecked
1882 City of Cashmere. Iron ship Wrecked
1882 City of Perth. Iron ship Refloated
1882 Duke of Sutherland. Schooner Wrecked
1886 Lyttelton. Brigantine Wrecked
1892 S.S. Elginshire. Barque Refloated