The Awhitu Peninsula community of Matakawau came out to play recently to celebrate the opening of its new playground.
The playground is funded by Franklin Local Board, and board member Sharlene Druyven says it’s wonderful the people the playground was built for organised their own community event and brought a fun family event to the area.
"We couldn’t be more chuffed. Not a lot of point building and renewing playgrounds if no one is going to use them, so seeing Matakawau put its playground to good use puts a smile on our faces."
Project manager Jennice Stringer has become a bit of a cult hero for the locals.
"We think she and her team have done a wonderful job. They were easy to work with and really committed to giving us a space to be proud of," local Vicky Holmes says.
"The feedback from the day has been awesome. Everyone loves our new playground."
The opening party featured the local playgroup on the sausage sizzle, a clown show, fishing games for the children and loads of scones and cream. There was only one hitch – two celebratory cakes were baked, so the adults got one, and the children the other!
