September 2016
The new community barbeque area at the Margaret Mahy Family Playground will be ready for family use this weekend thanks to the generosity of ANZCO Foods.
Completed in time for the warmer months, the community barbecue area contains four electric barbecues, food preparation benches, a water supply, a landscaped seating area, a roof and wind breaks.
ANZCO employees wanted to make a practical contribution to the people of Christchurch after the earthquakes. Their fundraising initiative was supported by suppliers, customers and Westland Milk and was matched dollar for dollar by ANZCO.
“We’re so pleased to be providing this easily accessible barbeque area for the whole community to enjoy. We hope people take as much pride in this facility and the playground as we here at ANZCO do,” says Managing Director Mark Clarkson.
The additions to the playground do not stop there with Ōtākaro Limited installing more play equipment and accessibility enhancements starting mid-October.
These additions will include stilts, sound tubes and three potakas (spinning tops, one turning, one fixed upright, one fallen over). Soft fall surface areas will also be extended to improve wheelchair access, and two tree-like shade structures will be installed. Picnic tables, benches and a shelter over the refreshment vendor stands will also be added.
“This work will be finished by the Christmas holidays so the echo of the sound tubes and the smell of sausages from the barbeque area can become common place at the Margaret Mahy Family Playground during the summer break,” says Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive Albert Brantley.
Some work will be carried out overnight, but for extended periods some play equipment will need to be closed to the public to allow work to be carried out in the area safely.
“We know how popular the playground is, especially during school holidays, so no major work will happen during the current holiday period,” says Mr Brantley.