Some of the CPlay volunteers gather on the ship, with crossed fingers ready to hear the outcome of the Recreation Aotearoa Playspace of the Year Award. Timaru’s $3 million playground, (thought to be the biggest playground in the southern hemisphere), has another claim to fame after winning a national award. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

Story by Roselyn Fauth - CPlay volunteer
3 June 2024

Timaru's Caroline Bay Playground Destination Playground Wins National Award - This is what a community can build together.

Timaru's $3 million playground, believed to be the largest in the southern hemisphere, has gained another accolade after winning a national award. CPlay, which opened at Caroline Bay in December 2023, was awarded Playspace of the Year (over $500,000) at the Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards held in Christchurch on Thursday night.

The CPlay committee members collectively expressed their pride and gratitude for the community's involvement and recognition by Recreation Aotearoa. They acknowledged all the volunteers and contributors who played vital roles and encouraged others to volunteer to make a difference. The recognition of CPlay as Playspace of the Year validates the community's dedication and effort, aiming to deliver a lasting legacy for a fitter, stronger, smarter, and happier community. The playground continues to serve as a destination, drawing visitors and enriching local experiences. The committee’s ongoing efforts include finishing the story circle and promoting playful education about local history, ensuring the playground remains a valuable asset for generations to come.

The project’s chairperson, Owen Jackson who started championing for a playground upgrade over eight years ago, said the award emphasized the positive community feedback since the playground's opening, highlighting the communal effort and the project's inclusivity. “It’s been built by the community, for the community. We wanted it to be inclusive, we wanted to tell our story. Jackson said the award was a validation for the committee of volunteers who had worked tirelessly over the past five years to make the playground a reality. "For them to give up their time, energy, and their families to make that happen," Jackson said. "I’m just really happy and proud of them."

Volunteers Roselyn and Chris Fauth attended the awards ceremony on behalf of the team. Roselyn Fauth expressed her excitement about the award and the community's involvement:

Roselyn Fauth said, "While the playground was championed by a small group of 13 volunteers who have been working on the project for over five years, and OJ who started eight years ago, the project and the award recognition are a testament to our amazing community. Hundreds of community members contributed feedback and ideas, including mana whenua, children, teenagers, adults, educators, health and play advocates, and the Parks, Museum, Gallery, and Library teams at Timaru District Council. Kids donated their pocket money, clubs, schools, and parents fundraised for us, and businesses generously provided money and in-kind support. We received incredible support from Lotto, Community Trust, Pub Charity, and Trust Aoraki as our platinum sponsors. We share this award with everyone who helped build our dream playspace: the Timaru District, which contributed a third of our budget, and our project partners—The Playground Centre, Creo, Rooney Earthmoving, and Curle Construction. The end result is a community playground where everyone can play together, have fun, be challenged, and feel a sense of ownership. It has been amazing to read the feedback on social media and receive so many phone calls from people excited about this recognition and proud of what we have achieved together."

The annual Parks Awards, which have been active since 2019, aims to recognize excellence in New Zealand’s parks, play, and open spaces. This year’s awards coincided with the Green Pavlova Conference at Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch, held from May 29 to 31. The awards evening took place on May 30, celebrating several categories, including Healthy Park Award, Active Park/Sportsground Award, Playspace of the Year (within $500,000), Playspace of the Year (over $500,000), Parks Person of the Year Award, and Young Amenity Horticulturist of the Year Award.

This year, the Playground category was refreshed, splitting into two Playspace categories to better reflect the sector and give a voice to all. Six finalists were named in the Playspace of the Year (over $500,000) category, each showcasing intentional development, innovative design, mana whenua acknowledgment, accessibility, and inclusivity.

Six finalists were named in the Playground of the Year (over $500,000) category:

• Cplay Caroline Bay Reserve, in Timaru 
• David Lange Park Playground, in Mangere 
• Magical Bridge Playground, in Hamilton 
• Memorial Park, in Palmerston North 
• St. Leonard’s Playground, in Hastings 
• Te Kapua Park Papa Playground, in Turangi

Design efforts involved the community and industry partners, with Rooney Earthmoving, Creo, and Playground Centre playing key contractor roles, including a bespoke lighthouse, shipwreck, bespoke whare, surface design, and artwork.

The Playground Center won the tender to design and provide playground equipment over four years ago. Warren Walker was the representative who visited Timaru to gather the brief and convey it to his team. The goal was to blend fun, inclusivity, challenge, and meaning. Community consultations revealed a desire for more than just selecting items from a catalog and adding a play surface. The community wanted an inclusive space where children, adults, and supervisors could play together without the stigma of specialized equipment, irrespective of size, age, or ability.

Equipment was carefully chosen to ensure various ways to move and play, accommodating different ages, stages, sizes, and abilities. The design also drew inspiration from local stories, culture, histories, and connections to the sea, promoting imaginative play and storytelling.

Sustainability was a key criterion in decision-making. Beyond material and resource choices, nature was integrated into design, play, and learning to foster deeper connections to the environment, culture, and sustainable living. We selected materials thoughtfully, repurposed old playground equipment, and partnered with eco-friendly contractors and suppliers. For example, we recycled the former playground’s rubber surfacing, reducing costs and diverting waste from landfills. Over 95% of the play equipment was crafted in New Zealand, lowering carbon emissions from transportation. CPlay used materials like New Zealand pine from sustainably managed forests and UV-resistant plastics that are fully recyclable. Additionally, old furniture was repurposed, and local manufacturers created new pieces. Timber from the port's old wharf was transformed into boat-shaped furniture, supporting sustainability and local heritage.

"From the moment I first met the CPlay team, I was captivated by the immense passion and depth of vision which was coming through - of creating a nationally significant, inclusive destination playground at Caroline Bay. Also their commitment to honouring Timaru's rich heritage set this project apart, making this truly special! Then as we progressed, witnessing the Timaru community rally behind this vision was nothing short of inspiring! As your dedicated Recreation Consultant representing Playground Centre, my goal was to capture your vision and help bring it to life. I believe we have surpassed our initial goals, thanks to the collaboration and support of our partners involved throughout the course of this project and have also gained valuable insights along the way. 
A few weeks ago I was excited to hear that this project had been shortlisted as a finalist BUT TODAY… I am overjoyed to extend my heartfelt congratulations to CPlay for being the WINNER of the Recreation Aotearoa outstanding Playspace of the Year (over $500,000) national Award for 2024 for the Caroline Bay Playground! I am truly humbled, honoured, and thrilled to have been part of this incredible journey with you. This achievement stands as a testament to your patience, passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to every detail. The thought of the fun, well-being, and good memories (+ other flow on benefits) that this playground will bring to so many lives for generations to come, fills my heart with immense joy!" - Warren Walker

“The creation of a vibrant and inclusive playground aligns with this Government’s objectives of stronger communities and actively promotes the wellbeing of our region.” James Meager MP for Rangitata.

Creo came on board later in the project to develop the landscape and surfacing design, and installing the play safety surfacing. "CPlay stands out by creating a destination catering to users of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. This was only possible due to community engagement, industry expertise, and, most importantly, individuals driven by passion to shape communities for its people." - Creo

Creo team work on the CPlay's playground design. The initial work on the playgrounds set out was by John Rushton. Creo then developed this to ensure the location of equipment was perfect so the fall zones didn't over lap. Creo then developed a 50+ page document of working drawings for the contractors to be guided by. - Photo Creo. 

Creo team work, 21 weeks onsite 5 people on average, here they are nearing the end of the 72350 kg packets of recycled shock rubber. Photo Roselyn Fauth

Judges praised CPlay as an outstanding collaboration between the community, mana whenua, the Timaru District Council, and the CPlay committee. They commended the focus on inclusive play, describing it as a beautiful space for the community.

"Caroline Bay Playground, overseen by the CPlay committee in collaboration with Timaru District Council and Arowhenua, and Aoraki Foundation, stands out as a brilliant project and a beautiful space for the community. The project exemplifies exceptional community engagement involving a wide spectrum of the stakeholders and resulting in space design for all ages. The playground is award is for outstanding collaboration between the community, mana whenua, council, and charitable trust, resulting in a very impressive outcome. CPlay expresses collaboration in the project from start to finish, with every aspect being outstanding making it difficult to find any faults. Overall CPlay Caroline Bay Playground serves as an outstanding playspace project with community engagement and inclusivity in creating spaces that benefit all members of the community." - Judges feedback.

 

Thank you to our contractors, including, Playground Centre, Creo, Numat REC and Rooney Earthmoving.

 

Thank you to our key project partners Timaru District Council and registered charity who looked after our finances, the Aoraki Foundation.

 

 

Thank you to our generous donors, Timaru District Council, Community Trust, NZ Lottery Grants Board, Pub Charity, Trust Aoraki, Hilton Haulage, Yili Oceana Dairy, Rotary Club of Timaru, Timaru Civic Trust and many many more donors!

Supporting Statements from the CPlay Team: Feedback from CPlay Committee of Volunteers

Lynette Wilson highlighted the project's ongoing evolution and its positive feedback. "It has been an amazing journey and now a 'destination' that is still evolving. The feedback has been so positive & complimentary of the inclusiveness, enabling a space for people of all ages and abilities to gather."

Owen Jackson noted the overwhelming community response since the playground's opening. "The feedback has been insane since the playground opened officially in December. I'm so proud of what we achieved, and to be recognized with an award nomination is a reward for everyone who joined us on this special journey."

Leanne Prendeville emphasized the project's rewarding nature and its impact on the community. "Being a finalist is amazing. It was such a rewarding project and so good to now give back to the community a place where all the children and families can go and make many happy memories."

John Rushton, the design coordinator, expressed satisfaction with the project’s completion. "Seeing the completed project reflecting the design concepts that were identified as important to our community is incredibly satisfying."

Vicki Gould highlighted the playground's growing recognition. "Being a finalist is helping showcase our incredible play space to the rest of New Zealand. However, nothing tops the reward of seeing all the children and adults enjoying the playground."

Sarah Mills, shared her pride in the project’s achievements and its impact on families. "Becoming a finalist has been an excellent achievement, and I'm proud of what we have achieved. It has been rewarding watching people of all ages enjoying such an amazing play space."