​A day to celebrate community in the Māniatoto

Oh wow, it’s all happening in Ranfurly next Monday 29 May!

There’s lots to celebrate in this fabulous community with a day full of events, which includes the official opening of the John Street Playground, and a drop-in session at the Ranfurly council chambers for people to come talk about parks, pools and libraries.

Central Otago District Council staff are stoked to be seeing the just-completed John Street Playground so well used already, and looking forward to cutting the ribbon on a project that has been so dear to many hearts, that has given the district’s youngest Māniatoto residents and visitors a worthy place for their play. A special thanks to playground makers Creo for their care and attention during the $200,000 upgrade.

The opening will kick off at 10.30am with the Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan’s welcome.

Maniototo Area School’s Kapa Haka students will give the karakia and waiata, and other representatives from the school will also be present.

Former Maniototo Community Board member Sue Umbers, who was very instrumental in helping the project off the ground, will cut the ribbon,

and the children will be invited to play on the equipment.

Other invited guests will include St John School, the kindergarten, Kids Play, CODC Parks and Recreation staff.

The project had been identified as a must have for the community, Maniototo Community Board member Cr Stu Duncan said, having come through the Long-term Plan process.

“The playground is another fantastic example of our community working together to create a great asset for our community and visitors,” he said.

All are welcome to pop by and celebrate the opening. People are advised to wear warm clothing – it could be a chilly start to the day. In the event of bad weather, a call will be made to cancel the event by 9.30am.

Tune into Burn729am radio for the announcement.

This will be followed by the Māniatoto drop-in session at the Ranfurly council chambers, from 11am to early evening.

It will give people the opportunity to talk to Council staff about all things Community Experience, but in particular those key Council services, parks, pools and libraries, CODC Parks and Recreation Manager, Gordon Bailey said.

“With Council about to embark on its next round of 10-year planning through the Long-term Plan, it would be great to hear what the local community want to see happening in their pools and opens spaces over that period so Council can prioritise and cost options.”

It would be a good, informal opportunity for people to give their thoughts, CODC Group Manager – Community Experience, David Scoones said.

“It will also be a great opportunity to meet some of the team as well.”