Post by htbrst on Oct 1, 2019 8:28:42 GMT 12
From Stuff: www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/116203829/air-forcethemed-playground-takes-off-in-sanson
Can't wait to try out the Skyhawk themed slide
Can't wait to try out the Skyhawk themed slide
A new air force-themed playground has taken flight in Sanson, after nearly six years of planning and preparation.
Dozens of children excitedly tested out the new equipment at the Dundas St playground, sandwiched between the Z Petrol Station and Weekend Craft, at the opening on Friday.
The playground includes a runway, a jungle gym and a slide in the stylised shape of a Skyhawk fighter jet.
The playground and a new public toilet block cost $350,000, and came about thanks to the Manawatū District Council, the Sanson Community Committee and the Defence Force.
Community committee chairman Paul Brown said it was the result of more than six years of effort. It was hoped the playground would attract visitors to the town.
Local businessman Des Mudford was a strong driving force behind the playground, but he died last year and never saw the results of his efforts
Mudford's family were invited to the playground's launch and the man himself was honoured with a memorial plaque.
Brown said the town's old playground was ripped up when construction started on the Z Station, which opened in 2012.
"Z promised to put it all back when the station was finished.
"But the equipment was all from the 1970s and 1980s, or maybe older, and couldn't meet current safety standards, so it never happened"
Ōhakea base commander Group Captain Shaun Sexton said the air force came in once the community chose the playground's theme.
The base's workshops provided equipment to assemble the playground, and air force personnel helped paint and decorate the walls around the site.
Sexton said it was well worth the effort, and Ōhakea made a point of supporting Sanson and its other neighbours.
"Our people and their families are part of these communities, and gain the benefits from [thriving] towns with good playgrounds and sports teams."
Dozens of children excitedly tested out the new equipment at the Dundas St playground, sandwiched between the Z Petrol Station and Weekend Craft, at the opening on Friday.
The playground includes a runway, a jungle gym and a slide in the stylised shape of a Skyhawk fighter jet.
The playground and a new public toilet block cost $350,000, and came about thanks to the Manawatū District Council, the Sanson Community Committee and the Defence Force.
Community committee chairman Paul Brown said it was the result of more than six years of effort. It was hoped the playground would attract visitors to the town.
Local businessman Des Mudford was a strong driving force behind the playground, but he died last year and never saw the results of his efforts
Mudford's family were invited to the playground's launch and the man himself was honoured with a memorial plaque.
Brown said the town's old playground was ripped up when construction started on the Z Station, which opened in 2012.
"Z promised to put it all back when the station was finished.
"But the equipment was all from the 1970s and 1980s, or maybe older, and couldn't meet current safety standards, so it never happened"
Ōhakea base commander Group Captain Shaun Sexton said the air force came in once the community chose the playground's theme.
The base's workshops provided equipment to assemble the playground, and air force personnel helped paint and decorate the walls around the site.
Sexton said it was well worth the effort, and Ōhakea made a point of supporting Sanson and its other neighbours.
"Our people and their families are part of these communities, and gain the benefits from [thriving] towns with good playgrounds and sports teams."
