The Timaru Herald 22 Nov 2023 Rachael Comer
A slide tower inspired by Timaru’s Blackett Lighthouse has been incorporated into the design.
A 12-metre-long mythical creature lurking in the sea beneath the flying fox is just one of many cultural elements that feature in Timaru’s new $2.98 million state-of-the-art playground.
CPlay, the new destination playground at Caroline Bay, will be officially opened at a public event on December 10.
Alongside the swings, slides, and other aspects that feature elements representing the history of South Canterbury, there will be a taniwha design adorning the rubber playground surface.
A taniwha, in Māori legend, is a monster or spirit. Taniwha that reside in waterways are known as taniwha wai and are said to safeguard those who use them.
The taniwha artwork was donated by artist and volunteer Francine Spencer, who said it was great to be able to tell many different stories about the region’s history in the playground’s design.
She worked alongside fellow volunteer Roselyn Fauth on the project.
Spencer said the taniwha would look after the children who used the playground, keeping an eye on anyone who was not playing nicely.
“It has a nasty sting in its tail,” she said. “Taniwha are considered to be powerful guardians of the land, waterways, and natural features such as mountains, forests, and rivers.”
The playground’s design includes nods to many of the cultures that make up the region, something Spencer said she was proud to be part of.
“I think it’s great telling both sides of the history here.
“Children can play and learn about both cultures. It inspires others to not just make a place to play, but to learn stuff too.”
She has also helped with the design of a whare for the playground.
In March 2021, Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua bestowed the playground with the privilege of including the name Pohatu-koko – the Māori name for the stream that runs beneath the playground. Whales Creek has now been channelled underground through stormwater pipes beneath the playground, to re-emerge at Caroline Bay.
Fauth said it was important to the playground committee that people could see their own narrative in the designs.
“We wanted them to see parts of their own story,” Fauth said.
“We are so grateful for Fran’s time and passion.”
She said there were “lots of little things” throughout the playground that would mean something to a lot of different people. These included a frangipani flower to honour the region’s Pasifika community, as well as tukutuku patterns.
Other features included a lighthouse that forms the base of a slide tower, drawing inspiration from Timaru's Blackett Lighthouse. The tower has 7m and 5m slides, multiple entry points, and an accessible slide for inclusivity.
A shipwreck structure, installed in July, reflects Timaru’s rich maritime history.
Construction work at the playground site started in March, and the project has been four years in the making.
The playground was made possible by a massive fundraising effort and a contribution from the Timaru District Council.
It was originally estimated to cost $2.2m. However, in June 2022, the committee behind the project announced this had risen 15% because of increased costs. This rose to $2.98m in November 2022.
The council would take ownership and be responsible for maintaining the community-led upgrade once the project was complete.