New playground draws locals, visitors

Lawrence’s colourful destination playground has opened with the turn of summer.

Whitehaven St playground reopened on Thursday November 28, and its giant modern climbing toys under sun awnings on state-of-the-art surfacing are already favourites of local children and attracting travellers.

"The whole project cost approximately $275k," co-ordinator Keily Smith said.

"[But there is] a huge effort from all of Lawrence, in terms of koha workmanship and equipment usage not counted in that."

Three years ago when a community network announced plans to renew the playground, Clutha Councillor and Lawrence Lions member Jock Martin said the main-road playground was still popular but had no improvements for more than 23 years.

"Traffic data shows more than half a million cars travel past the playground each year," he said.

"If a high-quality destination playground can capture just 1% of those travellers, that’s a potential 20,000 visitors who may spend time and money in our town, while their children stop and have some fun."

Organisers did their best to encourage as many as possible of the community’s young and old to participate in designing and helping the playground along, and were pleased to thank fundraisers, donors and partners including Lions and the council.

"Recognition boards are being finalised which will be displayed on-site and we will have a formal on-site opening in February to invite all partners to celebrate this amazing community achievement and asset," Mrs Smith said.