Parks Weeks winners
A bunch of dedicated families know heaps more about Hastings’ playgrounds after racing round trying to visit them all — and they have won gift vouchers for their awesome efforts.
Families were challenged by Hastings District Council to get to as many of the 37 playgrounds as they could during Parks Week, take photos of their children playing on the equipment, and get the pictures into council by 8pm on Sunday, March 15.
It was about encouraging families to explore all kinds of playgrounds, from the small neighbourhood and rural ones to the seaside playgrounds and premier play spaces, said Hastings councillor Ann Redstone.
“I really think we’ve achieved that. All of the families who commented on the challenge said it was a real eye-opener to see the sheer number and variety of places that we have to play in.”
This week the winners have been decided, and it was not easy. In the end the parks team has awarded first-equal prizes ($250 gift vouchers) to three families. They made it to all 37 playgrounds and said they had a fabulous time.
But the team has decided to also award a fourth prize ($150) to a family which was not far behind. The children went to a lot of trouble to provide feedback on each of the playgrounds they did get to and are planning on writing about the experience.
“That sort of feedback is great to have,” said council’s open spaces planning manager Rachel Stuart.
The three winning families were the Palmers, the Mitchells and the Scottons.
The Palmer children, chauffeured by their “very patient granny Cheryle”, made it a quest, visiting all 37 playgrounds over three days. Brayden, 11, and Bailey, 5, said their favourite park was Puketapu, “with its awesome flying fox”, followed closely by the Haumoana Memorial Park playground. “They were amazed at how many parks there were and are looking forward to visiting many of them again,” said their aunt Lena.
Fran Mitchell and daughter Amazon-Reign, 6, also rated Haumoana Memorial Park. “My daughter and I had an absolute blast. We were introduced to some new parks and got to revisit parks we had not been to in a long time.”
The Scotton family also made it to all of the parks, saying it was “really good quality time travelling to all the different parks and going to places we hadn’t been to before”.
The fourth-placed Dickinson family, mum Nichola with Leo, 8, Flynn, 7, Malakai, 2, and Juno, 8 months, made a learning experience out of the competition. “We homeschool . . . so did learning projects around the competition including statistics, gathering information and ranking systems. We plan to write an article with our rankings and expect the elder two to help with the writing,” said Nichola.
The playground at Haumoana again scored highly, 9.5 out of 10, beaten out of the family’s first place ranking only by the new playground at Cornwall Park, with a 10. Other high scorers for the Dickinsons were Flaxmere Park playground and Kirkpatrick Park.
ARIES—March 21-April 20
The emphasis is on refreshing skills and updating your appearance. A critical relative becomes surprisingly supportive. Romance and travel mix nicely, but business and romance do not.
TAURUS—April 21-May 22
Your career goal is within view, but impatience can be your downfall. Watch a tendency to criticize too harshly. Romantic risks are unwise now. A familiar approach is your best bet.
GEMINI—May 23-June 21
Small financial risks pay dividends by the end of the week. Common interests brings you in touch with a new friend with an unsual background. Your casual remarks are taken to heart.
CANCER—June 22-July 22
Friends are more ready to promise than deliver - so take a realistic approach to their offerings. Collect an overdue debt by the end of the week. Romance could be on the upswing on the weekend.
LEO—July 23-August 22
Watch out that you don’t jump the gun, especially around the homefront. Reconciliation is favoured through the weekend. An unusual travel opportunity could open up by the end of the week.
VIRGO—August 23-September 22
A lucky cycle begins in romance. You exude charm and sincerity. In your career, watch that you are not delegating too much authority. Public speaking could be a strong point on the weekend.
LIBRA—September 23-October 22
Allow extra time to tend to health needs of older relatives. News of a celebration catches you by surprise. Moneymaking ideas show promise but may benefit from refinement.
SCORPIO—October 23-November 21
Your interest in people’s problems could distract you from more productive pursuits. Attractive offers may be on the level, but learn more about them before signing on the dotted line.
SAGITTARIUS—November 22-December 22
Neighbours tend to interfere and it may be time for you to explain your need for privacy. Luxuries are enjoyed on the weekend and a loved one may seem surprisingly hard to please.
CAPRICORN—December 23-January 20
Personal matters that have been blocked lately finally begin to move. A loved one is alternately dramatic and affectionate. Relatives at last are thankful for your strengths they took for granted for so long.
AQUARIUS—January 21-February 19
Your instructions tend to be misinterpreted by your work mates, but your intentions are thoroughly understood by loved ones. Important personal goals are finally being achieved.
PISCES—February 20-March 20
This could be a better-than-average business week, with powers of persuasion reaching new heights. Large parties are unexpectedly enjoyable. Friends may ask you to repay some old favours.
BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK
Shrewdness is your middle name. You have a rare gift of perception and understanding the hidden motive of friends, relatives and even mere acquaintances. This ability could lead to a career advancement, but watch a tendency to overreact.