Closed for traffic, open for fun and adventure ­ that¹s the way the inner city will be for this Sunday¹s Adventure Playground Festival.

For the first time ever, parts of the central city will be closed to motor vehicles, as Worcester Boulevard is transformed into a venue for Jiggernaut racing, acrobatic feats and hands-on adventure experiences.

The logistics of the closure have been enormous, says Adventure Playground Festival organiser Derek McCullough.

"But the effect will be worth all the planning and hard work ­ we are transforming the city into a playground for adventure lovers of all ages and abilities," says Derek McCullough.

The Adventure Playground festival is gearing up to take Cantabrians on a wild ride. They will be able to see the first ever Jiggernaut racing series, try abseiling, watch a 150ft high wire act, bounce 8 metres high on the bungy trampoline, swing 360 degrees and lots more.

Apart from the adventure rides and events there will be an Adventure Café where taste buds will be tempted and an Adventure Technology centre.

Using public transport will be the best option for thrill seekers getting to the Festival this Sunday according to Mr McCullough.

"There are going to be a number of road closures and carparks unavailable for use. The best bet for people wanting to get to the festival on time and with as little hassle as possible is to catch a bus," says Derek McCullough.

"Because of the short time frame we have to organise the closure we will start taking out carparks on Saturday, causing the least disruption to shoppers as possible," says Christchurch City Council Enforcement Team Leader Kay Hazlett.

"There will still be a number options for people who so drive in the city on Sunday, including the farmers carpark on Oxford Street, the KEB carpark on the corner of Cambridge and Cashel Streets, the hospital carpark, which is available for public use and usual the garden carparks."

Other good and free options for parking on Sunday are the Lichfield Street and The Crossing carparks, says Ms Hazlett.

Bus services will run to the normal Sunday timetable but there will be a few changes to where the bus stops are situated.

"The bus exchange will be open all day Sunday for people wanting to find out where they can catch their bus from," says Environment Canterbury spokesperson Bruce Skinner.

"There will also be a number of temporary bus stops because of the road closures including one on the corner of Gloucester and Manchester and one outside the ANZ on the corner of Hereford and Colombo Street."

For further information about the changes to bus routes people can ring the Businfo on 366 8855 says Mr Skinner.

Most of the road closures will take effect at midnight on Saturday night and affect primarily the central city.

Road closures from midnight Saturday to 8pm Sunday 18 March 2001:

… The northeast and northwest quadrants of Cathedral Square … Colombo Street between Cathedral Square and Gloucester Street … Worcester Boulevard between Cathedral Square and Rolleston Avenue

Road closures from 10am to 7pm on Sunday 18 March 2001:

… Montreal Street between Hereford Street and Gloucester Street … Cambridge Terrace between Hereford Street and Gloucester Street … Oxford Terrace between Hereford Street and Gloucester Street

These closures will apply to all vehicular traffic, with the exception of emergency services.

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