Long Bay All-Access Playground Launch -Saturday 26 November, 2011

Auckland’s latest all-access playground for children of all abilities opens this weekend, 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. Featuring rubber mats to allow children in wheelchairs to easily move around, to specially designed play equipment, this playground encourages children of all abilities to play together.

Spacious concrete paths provide easy access to the playground activities, and the design follows the natural landscape with stunning views of Long Bay’s natural coastline. Swings, a seesaw and Spacenet all feature in Stage 1 of the redesign, while the ever-popular Flying Fox has been retained and refurbished for future generations to enjoy.

Stage one of the playground will be formally opened by Auckland City Mayor Len Brown at 11am, Saturday 26 November.

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, and we are thrilled to be working with them again,” said Lorraine Taylor, CEO of Variety – The Children’s Charity. “This playground provides a safe, challenging and exciting environment for children of all abilities to enjoy”.

Variety – The Children’s Charity contribution includes generous donations from the Glenn Family Foundation, Trillian Trust, Wilson Home Trust and the David Levene Foundation.

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

The Long Bay playground was chosen as the site for the playground 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.

The public is invited to join in the opening celebrations on Saturday 26 November from 11am – 2pm. More details are listed below.

Location: Long Bay Playground, Long Bay Regional Park
Date: Saturday 26 November, 2011
Time: 11am to 2pm (official opening at 11am, by Mayor of Auckland City, Len Brown)
Entry fee: Free
Entertainment: Activities include face painting, ice cream, stilt walkers and performances by Variety Voices performance choir. Hosted by Shane Cortese.

Other playground features:
• All-weather rubber safety matting which provides a firm surface suitable for children in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
• A large 7.4 metre Spacenet which provides a climbing challenge for children.
• Two baby/toddler swings plus a swing with a special back that is suitable for children with mobility issues.
• A sand feature with a range of pulleys, scoops and chutes for children to create their own play environment.
• A large double seesaw featuring a middle platform for children to sit or lie when seesaw is activated.

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.

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

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