Dream South D has organised a programme of activities called Play Parks for children and families, allowing them to enjoy the outdoors during the school holidays.
Organiser Rosie Hill said the events were an opportunity for local people to meet their neighbours, while children could enjoy play activities.
Play Parks events took place on Monday at Bathgate Park and Wednesday at Tonga Park, and a third event is set to run at Culling Park tomorrow from 11am to 1pm.
Sport Otago and Whānau Āwhina Plunket are partnering with Dream South D at the events.
Sport Otago events lead Sophie Russell said its loose parts trailer, "Loosey", had been at the events, providing a wide range of donated items.
"Basically, the idea of it is that it is gear that no longer has a use in people’s homes, so it is all sorts of things that have been donated."
All sorts of sports equipment as well as tyres, trolleys, small trampolines and colourful boxes could be used in imaginative play by children.
Sport Otago was also helping children stay active with its "reconnecting gear" table, displaying donated second-hand sports gear such as shoes and equipment that people could take away.
"This morning I have already given away a really good pair of rugby boots to a kid, and a cricket bat."
For younger ones, Whānau Āwhina Plunket was also offering items for parents to take away.
Plunket community services co-ordinator Tina Mangos said it was giving away free woollen baby clothing made by an "army of knitters" including the Kiwi Family Trust and knitting groups in Abbotsford and Taieri.
It also had set up a breast-feeding and baby change area inside a marquee tent as well as a baby ball pit.
A sausage sizzle run by local clubs, including the Southern Rugby Club, Southern Magpies and Albion Cricket Club, was providing a tasty treat for children and families.
Dream South D manager Nikita Choveaux said the events were made possible by a grant from Sport Otago’s Tū Manawa fund.
