Playcentre playground makeover

Pukekohe Playcentre is calling on the Franklin community to dig deep and support the centre’s fundraising efforts for a new playground.

Around 50 children are on the centre’s roll and the current playground is over 15 years old.

Kirsten Garbutt, mother of two at the centre, said the planning for the new playground designed by Playscape had taken three years.

It had been split into five stages, with a total cost of around $60,000.

‘‘The sandpit is getting done in October - which has been paid for already with the only money we had. That was $11,000,’’ Garbutt said.

‘‘Because families are only with the centre for five years, we split the project into stages, so we could see the results of our fundraising efforts while we are still [at the centre].’’

Garbutt said the playcentre relied on community support alone. The playcentre would look at applying for community grants as well.

‘‘We haven’t decided which [stage of the plan] comes next, it depends on funds, but we are getting the playground made wooden,’’ she said.

‘‘Because we have a big grass space, we will be getting a concrete path for bike riding and a gazebo for kids to read under. A new soft wall will be the most expensive thing; and then separating the swings and playground so kids aren’t running under the swings and getting hurt. Everything is getting tweaked.’’

Stage two will cost roughly $26,000 and fundraising will kick off on September 9 with a mega car boot sale.

The event, held at Franklin Baptist Church on Victoria St West, will include food, face-painting, games, a bouncy castle, raffles and more.

To book a space in the sale, contact Jemma on 022 162 9410.