A concept model of the playground shows a shipwreck and lighthouse with slides, both nods to Caroline Bay's maritime heritage. This is a big milestone achieved thanks to the support of the Timaru District Council when they contributed $77,600 from its Stimulus fund...

Esther Ashby-Coventry
Mar 23 2021

 A concept model of the playground shows a shipwreck and lighthouse with slides, both nods to Caroline Bay's maritime heritage.

The team behind an ambitious project to build a new $2 million playground at Caroline Bay has unveiled its concept plans which reflect the maritime heritage of the area.

The CPlay committee unveiled its concept for the playground in front of about 70 invited guests at a function in Timaru on Monday night.

Committee member Owen Jackson said the new playground would offer a well-designed, accessible destination - replacing the current playground at Caroline Bay which was built in about 1970.

Some aspects of the existing playground would remain in place, with the new playground featuring a shipwreck, lighthouse with slides and a flying fox.

Members of the CPlay committee, from left, Owen 'OJ' Jackson, Roselyn Fauth, and Leanne Prendeville. (File photo). MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE/STUFF

“It will be a place where all children can participate and play together regardless of their level of ability. These all-access areas allow children with special needs to play alongside their siblings and other children without special needs,” Jackson said.

The new playground would be the envy of other regions and be unique to Timaru with a nod to its past, he said, adding it would be a place “where children learn to grow and connect, and most importantly have fun”.

Committee member Roselyn Fauth said the playground had been inspired by the sea and reflected some of Caroline Bay's maritime heritage.

The next stage of the concept plans is to add more detail.

In remembering the history of the dangers posed to ships, such as the Benvenue which capsized in 1882, landing at the point – a 10 metre long shipwreck, made of timber and fibreglass, listing on its side surrounded by waves would form a central part of the playground design, Fauth said.

The shipwreck would be constructed on an angle so it would be accessible by wheelchair.

A concept model of how Timaru's new CPlay - Caroline Bay Playground - upgrade project will eventually look.

A 9m replica of Blackett’s Lighthouse would also be built and have slides running off it with climbing equipment on the side, she said.

The committee had also consulted with local iwi, which had allowed replica rock art images to be used for a shelter where families can picnic, she said.

Stories of the coastline, such as that of ancestral waka Ārai-te-uru, which was wrecked near Moeraki, will be told in an under fives children's area, she said.

To challenge children aged 11 to 14, one area of the playground will be a parkour section with vertical climbing walls and an obstacle course.

South Canterbury Kindergartens general manager Dave Hawkey said he was impressed with the project.

“It will be an amazing resource at the Bay.”

Gabby Grant and her son Douglas Walker-Grant, 8, at the unveiling of the new Caroline Bay playground concept designs. ESTHER ASHBY-COVENTRY/STUFF

Timaru mother-of-three Gabby Grant said she thought the playground would be “fantastic” and her children aged between four and 13 were excited about it.

The community-based initiative has seen the dedicated committee of volunteers hold more than 30 consultation discussions with community groups over the last 18 months.

Jackson said progress was now dependent on raising the $1.8m to $2m needed to complete the project.

Looking down on the CPlay concept.

The committee had engaged Whanganui company, Playground Centre NZ, as there was no local playground provider, he said.

However, the committee expects Timaru businesses will be able to provide seating, shading and landscaping.

“We need to give $400,000 to Playground Centre by the end of July or the process goes on hold.”

A concept plan of part of the new CPlay playground where children can hide in tunnels.

To date, the Timaru District Council has contributed $77,600 from its Stimulus fund to enable initial concept plans to be done. The Timaru Civic Trust has donated $50,000, a Bluestone School mufti day raised $600, Caroline Bay Association raised $5000 with its firework display and Altrusa raised $400 through a raffle. Some local businesses had also been generous with sponsorship, he said.

A campaign is underway to try and raise $150,000 from the public and Jackson said it was hoped the council would contribute half the full amount required.

If funds can be raised, he hoped CPlay would open early 2022.

The concept plans can be viewed by the public at the Timaru Artisan Farmers Market on Saturday.

- stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/concept-plan-unveiled