The Timaru Herald1 Jan 2020
Joanne Holden This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Children are being challenged to swing, whirl, and dash their way through the Timaru district’s 43 playgrounds these summer holidays.
WuHoo Timaru, a voluntary organisation promoting free fun activities around town, has launched the Play43 Challenge, which encourages children living or holidaying in the district to complete a dare at playgrounds in Timaru, Temuka, Pleasant Point, Geraldine, and Rangitata Huts.
The challenges include doing a King Kong impression at Timaru’s Aorangi Park, hopping onto eight tree stumps at St Leonards Rd in Temuka and hanging upside down at Rangitata Huts’ northern playground.
‘‘It’s about meaningful family time and getting rid of some energy out in the fresh air,’’ WuHoo co-founder Roselyn Fauth said.
‘‘The challenge side of it is to inspire people to use playgrounds in different ways. It brings a different dynamic to the playground and stretches your time there.’’
Some ‘‘real gems’’ were waiting to be discovered – such as a hut hidden inside a hedge at the playground on Flemington St in Timaru and a new zip line at Gleniti Park.
Fauth and husband Chris had already taken their 5-year-old daughter, Medinella, on a tour of the 43 playgrounds. ‘‘One day we did 10 and it’s fair to say she slept really well that night.’’
Despite growing up in Timaru, Fauth had no idea the district had so many playgrounds until about six months ago.
‘‘When I tell people we have 43 playgrounds, it’s quite fun seeing their eyes almost pop out of their heads,’’ she said.
‘‘Just having a resource that celebrates how many playgrounds we have is helpful.’’
On top of promoting existing playgrounds, the Fauths were committee members of a group discussing ideas for a $1.5 million playground at Caroline Bay.
‘‘It just shows the appetite that people in the district have for playgrounds.’’
With ‘‘very generous’’ funding from Aoraki Development as well as discounts offered by Warehouse Stationery and Corporate Print, the family have distributed score cards and pencils to 20 businesses around Timaru in the week leading up to Christmas. A score card can also be downloaded at wuhootimaru.co.nz.