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Her words are echoed in those of Sentinel Planning’s Simon O’Connor: “The sense of satisfaction is now starting to kick in, as it has been a long journey to get to where we are and it is great seeing the playground grow out of the ground. My two young nephews, who often visit, always want to see the playground progress, so a sense of excitement and anticipation is building.” Simon was attracted by Jackie and Chris’s passion for the playground and couldn’t resist volunteering his expertise to this community cause. “Allison Roe introduced me to Jackie very early on, with her vision for a playground in Gould Reserve. I signed myself up within the first minute of my conversation with Jackie! I was very keen to be involved in what Chris calls a legacy project and I quickly learnt that he and Jackie had the vision, commitment and resolve to see this project through.” “Projects like this are unique and not easy to get up and running. With the contacts we have in the local industry I knew that we would be able to get all the consulting specialists to share the vision and gift their time to make this playground a reality. This was the ethos of this project from day one and everyone bought in into that.” And which part of the playground would Simon the young boy have been most excited about? “I suspect that I would have been doing endless laps, climbing up the birds nest rope tower, then through the enclosed suspended rope bridge before making my way down the highest slide in the lighthouse tower.” Our publisher Aidan Bennett has worked hard to bring this about since first discovering Jackie and Chris’s ambitions back in early 2014. Aidan said: “I’m thrilled to be involved in helping Jackie and Chris realise this dream of a world class playground for Takapuna and extremely proud to have been asked by them to be a trustee of the Takapuna Playground Charitable Trust, along with Chris and local accountant Graeme Conning. “Importantly, we are still fundraising for the project. While Jackie and Chris have generously put their hands up to underwrite this project, my goal has been to maximise the buy-in from our community to reduce the considerable financial cost to them. Many individuals and businesses have given generously, but we are still looking for more to pitch-in to sponsor a piece of equipment, for example, to spread the cost.” The total project cost is estimated to be in the region of $900,000. Over $5,200 has been raised to date through a Give-a-Little page set up to bolster funds. And after a stumbling start, with an initial refusal to rush through plans for this gifted playground, the Devonport Takapuna Local Board have contributed towards consulting fees for the project. Generous local businesses and families have also contributed.

Our goal has always been that this will be a sensational playground, an attraction for Takapuna and a significant asset for the North Shore. Contributions of $10,000 or more are being acknowledgement with a plaque placed in the playgrounds new concrete pathway. Another volunteer Sarah Greenway got in behind the project after reading of Jackie and Chris’s dream in Channel. She sees the playground as a real community asset for local people to contribute to. “When I saw Jackie and Chris in Channel, I thought ‘these people are amazing’. I wondered if they had any social media support as this is the type of project that would appeal to young families, and they’re largely on social media. So I gave them help on that, setting up the

Channel Cover Feature: Playground for Takapuna

Plans for different playground structures potentially go on site.

Chris and I have spent hours at playgrounds all over the place to see what the kids love playing on. We have talked to the kids, we have talked to parents with disabled kids and we have seen first hand which are the most popular and most used features of these playgrounds. Jackie Kerridge hard at work planning the new playground for Takapuna.

Jackie Kerridge and Chris Reeve.

Planning New Zealand's best for Takapuna

playground

We love warm and fuzzy community news in Channel, and it doesn't come much better than this. A much-needed children's playground is looking like coming to fruition in Takapuna as the result of the tireless efforts and generosity of local grandparents Jackie Kerridge and Chris Reeve. Aidan Bennett had a chat to this can-do couple... Jackie and Chris are locals who have lived on Takapuna Beach for nine years. Their place is well-known for having a playground in the back yard and a wellused swing hanging from their big tree and on to the sand of Takapuna Beach. The swing provides hours of pleasure for the community, so much so that a supportive local recently donated a new swing in gratitude for the hours of enjoyment his family has had. Recently there has also been a notice on the fence gathering support for their desire to see a very special playground be built for the community on Gould Reserve, the main reserve between The Strand and the beach in Takapuna. They have collected dozens and dozens of letters of support over the past few weeks. "We have seven grandchildren who are desperate for somewhere to play in

Takapuna," says Jackie. "They love visiting our place but playing on the beach and our small playground only satisfies them for a short period. We have spent many hours taking them to other playgrounds around Auckland and it got us thinking about creating something special for Takapuna. There just isn't anything for children and families at the moment." From that time Jackie and Chris have become experts on playgrounds. They have spent hours and hours researching the best spot for it in Takapuna and the best equipment to create what Jackie calls "an everybody playground". In fact, the day I visited their impressive home there were brochures, sketches and letters of support scattered throughout their lounge. They are leaving no stone unturned in getting this much-needed facility for Takapuna. Their goal is to have it built by next summer and

they are prepared to put up to $100,000 of their own money into it to make it happen. "My concept is to make this an all inclusive area for the community – for everybody," says Jackie. "An area that not only the kids will love. An area that caters for those with disabilities and also that the adults will get hours of enjoyment from as well. Fitness-type apparatus will also be included. Chris and I have spent hours at playgrounds all over the place to see what the kids love playing on. We have talked to the kids, we have talked to parents with disabled kids and we have seen first hand which are the most popular and most used features of these playgrounds. our aim is to use this research to create the best playground in the country right here in Takapuna."

They have spent hours and hours researching the best spot for it in Takapuna and the best equipment to create what Jackie calls "an everybody playground" Jackie says that she is not really a leader with these types of things and has gone right out of her comfort zone with this project. But she is determined to see it happen. They are setting up a charitable trust to raise the total funds required to complete the project. Jackie has attended community meetings, is engaging with different community and business groups, the police with regards security advice and is working with the Local Board and Council to see it come to fruition. And she has been thrilled with the positive response. It is her and Chris' intention to follow the project through to ensure it is built exactly as it should be and within the budget. This will include dealing with equipment suppliers, contractors and council representatives. "This playground will be a real asset for Takapuna," adds Chris Reeve. It will be a destination playground that will bring people into the area who will spend money in the hospitality and shopping outlets. The site, on the southern end of Gould Reserve, is ideal. It is close to the shops, close to parking and close to the beach. It will work well with the much-publicised plan of linking the Hurstmere Road shopping area through to the beach. We are also conscious that it needs to fit in with the environment. So a lot of the equipment will be timber frames so it blends in with the surroundings." It is so neat that Jackie and Chris are focussed on delivering this as a totally community driven project and are prepared to put all this effort and their own money into it to see it happen. Towards the end of May they were presenting the concept to the Local Board to seek their approval and support. We will keep you informed of their progress in future issues of Channel.

"We support the the idea of a playground on Gould Reserve. We have two girls aged three and four and we are regulars at Takapuna Beach. However we often go to Milford and support their local shops because of the playground. We would come to Takapuna much more if there was a playground" - Andrea. Dear Council, We are just 5 happy kids. We love Takapuna Beach would love it but we even more if you were kind enough to help build a all-age kids playground so close to the ... Child play beach! is important so kids their childhood because we heard enjoy adults say that some you're not a kid for long so make the most of it! Please help build the playground –Lauren, Liam, Sophie, George Grace. &

"I am a long term resident here in Takapuna. I grew up here and enjoy the beach very much. We need a children's playground at Gould Reserve! ...There are no playgrounds near by and this space at Gould Reserve is a brilliant spot for a family-focussed, child-oriented playground." – Christina (and Eden).

Messages from the Fence

Takapuna Beach Playground: Update her that in this case I will simply do it for free and that has been a theme with all the specialists involved.

PLANNING FOR PLAYGROUND IN GOOD HANDS

My favourites part of the concept is the timber climbing tower with its “Pohutukawa canopy” and large slides that finish near some of Pohutukawa trees that will border the playground.

Simon O'Connor of Sentinel Planning on the site where the Takapuna Beach Playground will be built.

Simon O'Connor.

The new Takapuna Beach Playground is coming to fruition due to the generosity of some key people. As we have reported in previous issues of Channel the project is being driven and underwritten by the generosity of local couple Jackie Kerridge and Chris Reeve. Another key person giving his time and expertise is Simon O'Connor of local Takapuna business Sentinel Planning Limited. It is Simon who is bringing all the elements together to make it easy for the Playground to be planned, approved and built. We believe Channel readers should know about Simon and his reasons for giving back to the community. Aidan Bennett put these questions to him during April about his business and the playground project.

AIDAN BENNETT: Tell us about your business, what do you do? SIMON O'CONNOR: Sentinel Planning Ltd is a Takapuna based company that offers advice and obtains consents through Council for planning and development related matters. Basically we assist property and business owners alike along with developers in obtaining the maximum potential from their property through our understanding of the Council consenting processes. In many cases this is by adding value to a site though the subdivision process or advising architects to ensure that their designs make the most of the relevant planning provisions. The benefits for the client is added value in terms of development yield and by guiding their development through the myriad that is Council processes resulting in the saving of time and money along with reduced stress and worry. Incidentally Council also seek our input in assisting the processing of consents when they are overloaded which is more often than not at the moment.

AB: We hear it is going to be pretty special? SO: I am super excited about the playground as Jackie Kerridge and Chris Reeve’s vision is for the best playground in the best location in the city. In that sense I know there are going to be no corners cut with regard to quality. The playground is also to be built for all ages and for all levels of ability and mobility. It will have more than 12 large pieces of equipment along with seating areas. My favourites part of the concept is the timber climbing tower with its “Pohutukawa canopy” and large slides that finish near some of Pohutukawa trees that will border the playground. We have also had a massive amount of support from local businesses and people all across the city whether that be via the facebook page, letters sent to Jackie and Chris as well as via Channel magazine who have championed the cause. AB: What expertise are you contributing to the project? SO: My role appears to be ever evolving. At first it was advising Jackie and Chris of the Council processes and working to create the original vision into a draft concept that we took to the Local Board to start the discussions. I have turned into a bit of a project manager as well and have managed to get on board numerous other experts in their field to assist with the project all who have also given their time for free to the cause. We have been very lucky to gain the services of our playground designer Philippa Bollond who was brought on board with the assistance of the Local Board who has really championed the final design. My final part in the project will be bringing all the design elements back into a package for Council to consider as part of the consenting process. AB: Who else is assisting with the Playground? SO: A great thing about this project is that the local business community and technical specialists have got behind it and donated their time. We have Philippa Bollond of Future Landscapes who is an experienced playground designer and has led the design team that also includes our Landscape Architect

Helen Melsopp. The team at A I Bates and Associates have provided all the survey information, Greenscene NZ are our arboricultural consultants, Golder Associates have provided geotechnical advice and AR and Associates have led the civil engineering side of the project. We have also had some great support from Council’s Parks Advisor Paul Duffy and the project has also been assisted by the Devonport and Takapuna Local Board. From the media side of things, Yes Disability Advice Centre, the Takapuna Beach Business Association, Sarah Greenway of Intersea and your good selves at Channel Magazine along with Jackie and Chris have led the publicity of the project. AB: When do you think the build will start all going to plan? SO: We are finalising the design at the moment with Jackie and Chris having already funded the deposits for some of the large pieces of equipment that will come from overseas. They have set up a charitable trust and a give a little account for the local community to donate towards to make this playground a reality. We are hopeful of a start later this year once the consenting process has occurred and final funding resolved so the playground can be ready by the end of the year for us all to use. AB: It must be a thrill to be involved in such a worthwhile community project? SO: What I have really enjoyed about this project is that it shows the community can take the lead in providing a much needed resource that otherwise might simply not have occurred or otherwise taken numerous years or decades otherwise to get built. The playground will be a wonderful asset for Takapuna that will be enjoyed by so many people across the city. For more information: simon@sentinelplanning.co.nz NOTE: Takapuna Beach Playground Charitable Trust is seeking support and donations from those interested in contributing. This can be done via the trusts Give A Little page... https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/takaplayground or by contacting Jackie Kerridge or Chris Reeve: Email: supermn_nz@hotmail.com.

AB: How did you get involved in Playground Project? SO: I live in central Takapuna and was involved in a public Council led meeting with regard to the Devonport and Takapuna Area Plan, which sets out how the area will possibly change over the next 10 – 30 yrs. At the meeting the members of the community were challenged to offer ideas of how to improve the area. As a result Local Board member Alison Roe introduced me to Jackie Kerridge who shared her vision to create a wonderful playground in Gould’s reserve that would be entirely funded by the community. Having worked within the Council previously and knowing how long such projects can take to get built let alone approved and funded, I saw this as an opportunity to create something fantastic for the local community that wouldn’t get bogged down in the usual Council lack of funding scenarios. Also Takapuna doesn’t have any real quality playground and as such it’s a way to give something back to the local people. So I signed up with Jackie there and then. When Jackie asked how much I will charge for my services, I just told

78 HURSTMERE RD, TAKAPUNA, Ph 489 9259

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Kids playing at a recent playground completed in Hamilton that was designed by Philippa Bollond who is designing the Takapuna Beach Playground. Channel_May 215.indd 1

23/04/15 10:05 am

Channel Feature: Takapuna Beach Playground Update

PLAYGROUND CONCEPT PLANS LOOK SENSATIONAL! Interview with Takapuna Beach Playground Designer Philippa Bollond Philippa Bollond.

2015 is shaping up as a good one for the team at Channel Mag. There are lots of exciting things happening on the North Shore and one we are thrilled about is the all new Playground that will be built during the year near Takapuna Beach on the (Gould) reserve just off The Strand. It is no secret that we have been huge supporters. From the time we discovered the generosity associated with this project from Takapuna locals Jackie Kerridge and Chris Reeve we decided to give them all the support we could. I am thrilled to now be a member of the Trust they have set up to build the playground and then gift it to the people of the North Shore and Auckland.In mid-January it was a thrill to see the concept plans that have been produced by playground designer Philippa Bollond working closely with the council parks and recreation team. They are sensational. The two parties have worked very well together to come up with a design that will fit perfectly with the very special environment. This is something that Philippa is passionate about as well – ensuring that the design and materials fit with the surroundings. While at the time of writing the plans still needed the stamp of absolute final approval from the Local Board, I thought it timely that we do a piece on the design for our readers. I put these questions to Philippa in late January. AIDAN BENNETT: You must be thrilled with how this is all coming together? It is clear you share the same planning desires as the council parks and recreation team. PHILIPPA BOLLOND: Being an independent designer and play specialist I have been fortunate enough to work with a variety of councils throughout the country and in this case I have worked closely with council's parks adviser Paul Duffy to produce a design that all stakeholders would be happy with. AB: You have considerable experience in designing some special playgrounds around the country. What are some of the recent projects you have done that are particularly special?

PB: Hamilton Lake is my most recent playground design. It features a large playground with two towers that have giant slides at different heights descending from them.There is the largest outside water play feature in New Zealand incorporated into the play space with six water stations and two separate channels that children can play throughout. AB: You must love the setting for this project? PB: You couldn’t ask for a nicer setting. The beautiful beach and natural surroundings provide many play opportunities from a designers perspective and offers a great space to design a playground which will enhance an already stunning location.

AB: Using materials that fit in with the surroundings has clearly been a big focus of this Takapuna Beach playground? PB: I have tried to design a playground using timber and with a coastal theme to fit in with the natural environment. The use of plastic and bright colours has been limited and replaced with more natural looking products such as timber and sand. The use of artificial grass as the safety surface, has been used to blend in with the environment. The intent of the design of the playground is to provide a playground that fits into the natural setting and not compete with it. AB: What are the key features of the design that you are excited about? (maybe provide a run-down of the main pieces here – a bit of detail). PB: The playground features a large tower to look like a light house with slides from various levels connected by a bridge to a large rope tower where children can climb and sit in pods at the top. The playground has been designed to be an all accessible playground allowing for access throughout for all users and care givers. There is a roundabout that will fit three wheel chairs along with other users at the same time. The junior area features a mouse house with a turning wheel, sand and water play area and a basket swing. Natural play using logs for jumping and balancing has been provided under the large pohutakawas which have hammocks attached at three locations under the trees to allow kids to lie in the shade and look up into the canopy above. AB: Who else is involved in the design and planning phase with you? PB: Helen Melsop is the landscape architect who helped create the layout and special landscapes features of the design. Simon O'Connor from Sentinel Planning is the planner who will prepare the resource consent and deal with the planning side of the project. AB: I understand your role is to project manage the playground right through to completion, when the trust will hand it over to the council? PB: Yes I have been engaged to design and project manage the playground through to completion. This is essentially a turn-key project whereby upon completion council will pick up all ongoing maintenance of the playground.

AB: Why is this going to be one of the best playgrounds in the country? PB: I hope it will be a playground that will serve Takapuna well. It will offer a diverse range of inclusive play opportunities for many ages and abilities where children can play together. The natural setting provides an environment where the imagination can go wild and one can pretend to be a captain of a ship standing in the crows nest of the main mast whilst looking out to sea, or descend down some large slides, make sandcastles or lay under the shade of the fantastic pohutukawas. It is a space where children can spend the day at the beach and have a different experience to what other playgrounds can offer. The Playground does need your support... The Takapuna Playground Trust is seeking your support as well. While Jackie Kerridge and Chris Reeve have pledged their own funds to the project, the trust is seeking donations from individuals, families and organisations who would like to contribute. Rotary clubs and the like have already indicated that they will be raising funds for the project. The estimated final cost will be around the $500,000 mark. Donations can be pledged by contacting the trust via myself... aidan@benefitz.co.nz or you can do this easily via our GIVE-A-LITTLE fundraising page that has just been set up... https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/takaplayground

‘Support for Playground at Takapuna Beach’ Facebook page almost two years ago.” Since then, the mum of two young children has regularly met up with Jackie and Chris to see how else she could help. She has attended council meetings with the pair and helped on the fundraising committee. Sarah, who works for Takapuna-based seafood exporting company, Intersea, is still keen to rally more investment, with the project now at a stage where the public can see real tangible progress with the construction. “It’s going to be such an asset to Takapuna and it presents a great chance for people to leave a legacy here. The quality of the play equipment is second to none. This is a long-term investment in Takapuna – I Iook forward to bringing my grandchildren down to play there in 20 or 30 years time!” Work began on the construction in early April this year, with Ross Reid Construction starting the initial earthworks. Takapuna-based General Manager Jarrad Reid was approached by Jackie and Chris to become involved. Jarrad said: “We were very keen to be on board because our family lives in Takapuna area and we have young children so we were very happy to play our part and contribute to this.” Ross Reid has been responsible for the earthworks and is laying the pathways, which will contain the donor plaques. Jarrad is pleased with progress and full of admiration for its instigators. He said: “The foresight of Jackie and Chris to get this thing off the ground has been incredible. We’re always keen to give back to the community and it’s great that so many others have too. Now, we look forward to seeing our children playing on there for years to come.” Both Sarah and Simon shared words that seemed to sum up the thoughts of many of those involved. Sarah wrapped up her comments, saying: “I’m just so thrilled for Jackie and Chris as it’s their dream that we can now see being built. I always knew it was going to happen because I knew they were never going to give up!” With Simon adding: “The end result will speak for itself. As a Takapuna local, there are no quality playgrounds in the area. The feeling of gifting something to your family and the community gives a real sense of satisfaction and achievement that I know I will enjoy every time I see the playground.” To contribute to this community playground legacy in any way, please contact the Takapuna Playground Charitable Trust on takapunaplayground@gmail.com or you can contact Aidan Bennett on 021-500-997. Donations can also still be made via the Takapuna Playground page on www.givealittle.co.nz.