Officially open, Village Green playground
The Village Green playground in Amberley was officially opened this afternoon.
A community barbeque, outdoor games and a performance from Little Oaks Preschool created a great community occasion at the Eastern Reserve.
Mayor Marie Black carried out the honours, cutting the ribbon and delivering some welcoming words to those who joined for the occasion.
She described a playground as being part of a community’s fabric, where friendships are made, where children burn off energy, where families can simply enjoy being outside together.
“There is something particularly special about opening a playground. It is not simply about new equipment or a new facility. It is about creating a place where children can play, explore, challenge themselves and most importantly have fun.”
Mayor Black thanked everyone who has played a part in bringing this project to life – the previous South Ward Community Committee, South Ward Community Board, Amberley Village Green Playground Working Group, Hurunui District Council (HDC) staff, contractors, and most importantly, the community.
“It’s been a true team effort for a good couple of years, but of course the real test of a playground is not what we adults think of it - it is what the children think.”
Conceptual plans for the playground including design and plantings were first developed in 2024 between a Amberley Village Green playground working group, and HDC’s Projects team. Playground equipment installation began in April this year.
The playground features a wheelchair-friendly seesaw and carousel, swing sets, a climbing tower, interactive play panels, a slide, climbing and balance equipment and monkey bars.
HDC’s Team Leader for Amenities Maintenance Josie Hemmings said it’s been very rewarding seeing the high amount of use the playground is receiving, and the positive feedback from the community.
Stage One of the playground is now complete.
At Tuesday’s Council meeting a proposal by South Ward Community Board for the funds’ allocation and installation of a Jellicoe 110 play module was presented, marking Stage Two of the playground. It was accepted unanimously by councillors.
Hemmings explained that this equipment measuring 60m2, will be dedicated for younger users aged three to five years old.
“The Jellicoe incorporates the perfect mix of fun, physical and mental development including balance, gross motor skills, imagination and creative play,” she said.
The cost of $61,560 plus additional ground works costs will be funded mostly by the South Ward Development Contribution Fund, with the remaining funded by South Ward Community Board’s Contestable Fund, and Council’s Amenities budget.
Stage One of the playground was funded through the South Ward Development Contribution Fund, and funding for the trees and shrubs was received from Amberley District Residents’ Association and the Hurunui 3E Trust.
Irrigation for the trees and shrubs has been sourced from a bore, which means no impact on Amberley’s town supply. The irrigation connection was installed by Kaikoura Hurunui Water Services.
Complimenting the playground at the Eastern Reserve is the cricket oval, which has just started its second season as the home of Amberley Cricket Club. Final works are continuing but it is already proving to be a wonderful community facility, in the heart of Amberley and the South Ward.
“We look forward to seeing this recreational area further develop,” said Mayor Black.
