23 February 2006

Playground Opening Marks Waikanae Community Trust Swan Song

The new Pharazyn Avenue playground, to be opened by Mayoress Mary Milne at 2.00pm this Thursday (February 23), is the last major contribution of the Waikanae Community Trust to Waikanae and the Kapiti Coast community, Trust member Mike Gilbert says.

The $45,000 grant from the Trust, combined with further funding, labour and materials from the Kapiti Coast District Council, has enabled a full playground module and other equipment along with seating and a basketball half-court to be installed at the site. Tree planting and further landscaping will be undertaken during this year's planting season.

Over the years the Trust, funded by profits from Waikanae Hotel gaming machines, contributed to Waikanae Golf Club facilities, provided an Astroturf playing field and lighting for Paraparaumu College, assisted the college's music section with high quality sound equipment and contributed to a range of other groups and charities including EMS, Mr Gilbert said. In all, more than 500 grants have been made, Mr Gilbert said.

The Trust, consisting of Mike Gilbert, Tony Greig and Bryan Lawrence has been in existence since 1998.

"This $45,000 grant is the last of the funds and the playground seemed like a good project to end on."

Mrs Milne will unveil a plaque mounted on a rock placed alongside the playground.

ENDS

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