Percy Glynn, 4, finds the new Marton playground exciting. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Percy Glynn, 4, finds the new Marton playground exciting. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Marton's "amazing" new playground, complete with a huge sandpit, tower, musical bridge and the longest swing set in New Zealand is officially open with hopes it will attract visitors to the town.
The opening was held on Saturday at the site near the Marton War Memorial Hall.
The new playgroundreplaces the town's first playground, built in 1951, and is three times the size, Lucy Skou said.
She is the chairwoman of Marton Development Group, which made the project happen.
It cost $1.3 million, not counting the new toilet block built by Rangitīkei District Council.
It was designed by award-winning consultancy Boffa Miskell, using equipment provided by Whanganui's Playground Centre.
The contractor was Andy McDonald, but Skou said the community played a big part and she wanted to thank people for all the support and help they provided.
"Without it this would never have happened," she said.
A tower with three slides is the focal point of the playground. Photo / Lewis Gardner
The playground is suitable for all ages, including adults.
"It's for the family to all play together."
It has some unique features, Skou said - a water play area, a massive sandpit, musical instruments and the longest swing set in New Zealand.
The story of Tutaeporoporo - a mōkai (friend, helper or pet) to Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa, is woven into its matting. Its tower has three slides and is a focal point.
"People absolutely love it. It's incredible for a community to have something as amazing as this."
Short speeches were made by Rangitīkei Mayor Andy Watson, Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa CE Grant Huwyler and Te Tai Hauāuru MP Adrian Rurawhe. There were food trucks, bubbles and a scavenger hunt to mark the occasion.
Te Tai Hauāuru MP Adrian Rurawhe (centre) speaks at the opening of Marton's new playground. Photo / Lewis Gardner
The playground was blessed about a month earlier by Mike Paki, on behalf of Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa.
