| 111 Matamata Futures Trust: Project Play COMMUNITY Serving the greater waikato for over 50 years Comber Street, Matamata | ph. 888 8883 | E. info@comagltd.co.nz 7 DAY EMERGENCY SERVICE Obligation free quotes for all jobs, large and small Proud to partner with the Matamata Futures Trust, providing the plumbing and drainage for this fantastic new community asset that will benefit the community for years to come. Proudly support Matamata Futures Trust DELIVERIES AVAILABLE 0800 PIT SAND info@wilsonsand.co.nz www.wilsonsand.co.nz T T Kim Newth Play space taking shape at Matamata Domain The community-led volunteer project is transforming the domain into an inclusive new community hub and play space. Hot on the heels of Matamata opening the Open Country Community Stadium earlier this year as a modern home for school and community sport, the town is once again buzzing as Project Play at Matamata Domain gets into full swing. The community-led volunteer project is transforming the domain into an inclusive new community hub and play space. “The excitement has really escalated since construction started,” says Rose Carnachan, of Project Play. “After so long researching, designing and raising money, people are now seeing it taking shape. So many of our families and businesses are invested in this - it is simply incredible.” Construction of the new playground’s centrepiece tower started in early August. It features steps and ramps on one side and, for the more adventurous, a climbing net on the other side, leading to high slides and connected with shared play experiences. It embodies the vision behind this project, for a no barriers playground where families can gather and where children of all ages and abilities can safely participate, explore and have fun. Inspiration for the design vision came out of consultation with the community and iwi, with the Papakauri narrative depicted through the feature tower. “The playground includes all types of climbing, sliding and jumping equipment. We have selected inclusive equipment where possible including the swings, long trampoline, carousel and all-terrain jeep, and created zones including the senior area, fenced junior ‘little garden’ area, swing area and nature play beneath our WW1 protected trees and basketball court.” A circular social seating area, adjacent to the court, came out of consultation with college students to understand their needs. Families with children of all ages can also look forward to a new barbecue and picnic area – the first of its kind in the Matamata community. Discussions over the need for a new playground at the domain started some five years ago, as it became increasingly apparent that the existing one had mostly end-of-life equipment and was no longer meeting community needs. In 2023, Matamata Futures and Matamata Piako District Council formally partnered to deliver the playground, with Council allocating $1.5m from its Long Term Plan and Matamata Futures (through the Project Play working group) leading the design, consultation and additional fundraising. “To date Futures has secured more than $1.2 million. That’s an incredible feat for a small community and a small working group. So many local businesses offered their time, products and services to the build, and our community supported us from the beginning through cash donations and sponsorships, boardwalk planks and supporting the various events we held – this truly is all about community.” Milestone Homes Matamata even constructed a new home to support the new playground with 100% of the profits from the home’s sale donated to Project Play. Other key contributors include NZ Lotteries, Trust Waikato, Aotearoa Gaming Trust, Mitre 10, Candy Gillespie, Hobbiton, Rotary and The power of the written word. New Zealand Business News, delivered to you. Kiwanis service groups, Swap Contractors, Tirau Earthmovers, Comag, Paramount Scaffolding, Wilson Sand and Daltons, along with many other contributors including family groups and estates. “We also wish to acknowledge Sport Waikato for their ongoing support and advocacy, and Council for the partnership.”
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