2 July 2001

FLYING FOX OPENS AT PARKWAY

Hutt City Mayor John Terris will open a $25,000 dual flying fox at Parkway playground in Wainuiomata tomorrow at 3pm.

The flying fox is an initiative to provide additional facilities for youth of all ages and Parkway was chosen because it is the most used playground in Wainuiomata. It also adds to the 'adventure theme' of the playground.

The flying fox is 60 metres long and has been designed for teenagers and adults.

Lesley Gerrard of Hutt City's Leisure Services Division said two flying foxes were built so as to minimise queues and reduce stress and maintenance on a single structure.

"Economies of scale also meant we could provide an additional flying fox for a few thousand more dollars and create an attraction where children could race each other and just have a lot more fun - I'm pretty keen to give it a go myself."

A picnic table has been put in to encourage a division of areas between age groups. There is the newly fenced junior playground for 2-7 year olds, the 8 - 12 year olds in the fort area and other ancillary equipment. For teenagers/adults and those who can handle the speed and excitement there is the new dual flying fox.

"We expect this flying fox will be as popular as the one operating at Avalon and will be another great asset for the people of Wainuiomata," said Ms Gerrard

Safety surfacing is a new product sourced from Auckland called 'Reharvest', made out of recycled pallets, which supports Hutt City's recycling policy.

The timetable for the day is 3pm - Arrival at Parkway 3.15 - Mayors opening speech 3.25 - Flying Fox Launch (the plan is that if it is fine, then Cr Ray Wallace and Mayor Terris will race each other down the flying fox), if not fine a ribbon releasing the flying foxes will be cut, or untied by the mayor. 3.30 - Afternoon tea at the Community House.

Media are welcome to attend.

ENDS For further information please contact: Lesley Gerrard Leisure Services, DDI: 04-570 6844

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