Work begins on Pihanga Reserve playground

3 June 2015

The dream is finally coming true for the Pihanga Reserve community, with work on its new playground starting last week.

The Pihanga Reserve playground project has been in the making for several years and is being led by the Tauhara Community Support Initiative (TCSI) with support from Taupo District Council.

The first stage involves landscaping, the installation of some basic play equipment and the creation of a concrete path and steps. It is expected to be finished by the end of June.

This first stage will cost $80,000 which was allocated in the council's 2014/15 Annual Plan. It includes landscaping of the area to allow for future development coordinated by the volunteer group.

TCSI spokesperson Jeannie Short, who is part of the team leading the playground project, said it was great to see their hard work paying off. It's absolutely fantastic. A lot of people are very excited. So far we've had overwhelmingly positive feedback about it.

Ms Short said the vision for the space stretched beyond a playground. It'll be age-friendly, there will be elements that cater to the elderly, the littlies and everyone in between, she said.

TCSI plans to add furniture, a drinking fountain and more paths as funding allows. The vision also includes fruit trees, gardens, ample play equipment, a sports field, an in-ground trampoline, outdoor fitness equipment and a basketball court.

Ms Short wanted the whole community to remain involved and share ideas around the project, and was planning fundraising activities, working bees and sponsorship proposals to help the project move beyond the first stage in the months and years ahead.

Plans for the playground were developed after consultation with the community. Three community consultation events were held on Pihanga Reserve and TCSI representatives spoke to children at neighbouring schools. Organisers gained an understanding of what the community wanted for the reserve and the ideas put forward were developed into a concept plan.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz