The Variety Long Bay All-Access Playground Final Opening - Sunday 28 October, 2012

The final stage of Auckland’s latest all-access playground for children of all abilities opens on Sunday 28 October in the Long Bay Regional Park.

The Variety – The Children’s Charity playground is designed to be accessible by children, parents and caregivers of all abilities.

In addition to the swings, hammocks, see saws and flying fox that children have been enjoying since the playground opened last year, stage two features a nature trail providing unstructured play in a natural discovery setting.

The trail includes a wavy path, rumbles and judders which make a fun ride for children in wheelchairs. Along the trail is a music station with huge musical instruments and two trampolines built into grass mounds that appear to be hills. Binoculars and a telescope are set up so children can take in the surroundings, and there is even an “in ground tube talk” system so a conversation can take place between children at different points on the path.

The playground will be formally opened by Auckland Councillor Sandra Coney at midday, Sunday 28 October. The opening will also feature former Variety Gold Heart scholar and Paralympian swimmer Rebecca Dubber as the MC.

The redevelopment of the playground is a partnership between the Auckland Council and Variety – The Children’s Charity.

“The Variety Playground at Long Bay is our second all-inclusive development with the Auckland Council” said Lorraine Taylor, CEO of Variety – The Children’s Charity. “Many children of all abilities have been enjoying the playground since it opened last year and we are thrilled to see this project now come to a close.”

Auckland Council committed half of the funds towards the project from the council’s playgrounds budget.

Variety – The Children’s Charity contribution towards stage two of the playground includes generous donations from The Warehouse, Pub Charity, SKYCITY Auckland Community Trust, Constellation Communities Trust, Todd Property Group, Hicks Bros Civil Construction, Northern Arena and Triton Sourcing & Distribution Ltd, Blue Waters Community Trust, David Levene Foundation and Wilson Home Trust.

The Warehouse CEO, Mark Powell, is delighted The Warehouse is supporting the new playground.

“The Variety Long Bay playground is exactly the type of local community initiative The Warehouse is eager to support. Community is at the heart of The Warehouse and to know the playground is accessible to children of all abilities and will be enjoyed by many Kiwi kids, is a great outcome. We are very proud to be a part of this fantastic project,” said Mr Powell.

Long Bay was chosen as the site for the redesign as it is an appropriate size to accommodate the upgrade to an all-inclusive play space, as well as being a popular and picturesque location near the coast, attracting more than 750,000 people from all over Auckland each year.

The public is invited to join in the opening celebrations on Sunday 28 October from 11.30am – 1pm. More details are listed below.

Website: www.variety.org.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/varietynz
Twitter: VarietyNZ

Editor’s Notes
Location: Long Bay Playground, Long Bay Regional Park
Date: Sunday 28 October, 2012
Time: 11.30am to 1pm (official opening at midday)
Entry fee: Free
Entertainment: Activities include face painting and balloon sculpting

Variety – The Children’s Charity

Each year Variety – The Children's Charity supports more than 10,000 Kiwi kids, their families and communities.

Since 1989 Variety has given over $13 million to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children. From much-needed medical equipment, to life-changing mobility needs, to innovative educational initiatives – we raise money to ensure deserving Kiwi kids can reach their full potential. With strong roots in entertainment, we’re now famous for unique fundraising events and campaigns.

Every day all sorts of people get the Variety feel-good factor helping all sorts of children in need…creating brighter futures for Kiwi kids.

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