Concept more than a playground
A proposal for an adventure playground, designed to attract families to Rangitıkei, needs community backing to get off the ground.
A group of parents, who established the Marton Development Group, unveiled their intention in 2017 to build a $700,000 playground in Marton’s Memorial Park.
Award-winning playground designers Boffa Miskell drew up a blueprint and the project cost quickly increased to $1.1 million. The group has raised about $618,000. Spokeswoman Lucy Skou expected construction of the playground to begin in October, and be completed by April.
Now, the group is asking residents across the region to get behind the project.
‘‘We are asking businesses or individuals to have a think about what they can do to support the playground,’’ Skou said.
‘‘Do they have services or skills like carpentry, excavation, transport? Can they give us a day’s worth of work or can they offer us at cost supplies?
‘‘The more support like this we get from the community the better we can make this wonderful community playground.’’
The existing playground at the park was developed in 1951, and Skou said the new one would not be a typical jungle gym.
‘‘The playground will cater for children of all ages and most abilities.’’
It is almost entirely funded by the community.
The Rangitıkei District Council has pledged $37,000 to fix underground infrastructure in the existing playground. It will also contribute $50,000 towards its construction.
However, the remaining $900,000 is to come from residents, businesses, donations and grants.
Skou said the group was trying to support local contractors, such as Whanganui Playground Centre, which is building the play tower.
People are asked to donate through the group’s website martondg.co.nz.
The project adds to several newlyestablished recreational spaces in Marton.
A set of multisport community turfs were built at Rangitıkei College in 2017, which includes four tennis courts, four netball courts, a basketball court, a football field and a hockey turf.
Nga Tawa Diocesan School also built a hockey turf.
The town’s dream of a top-notch skate park, worth $440,000, at Centennial Park was also completed last year.