Playground upgrade in full swing

The Punanga Nui playground was overrun by adults last weekend as top level managers of key businesses on Rarotonga exchanged office duties for hands-on construction and grounds maintenance.
The need for these activities came about due to an investigative CITV report on the dangerous disrepair of equipment in the only public recreational facility provided for our young children.
The playground was originally built in 1992 by the Rotary Club of Rarotonga.
Volunteers from Rotary and the Mongoose Club donated time and manpower on a sunny Saturday afternoon to make a start on the much needed repairs.
“Once we get the playground back to a safe condition which children can enjoy, CIIC have pledged to maintain it regularly so that it never gets to this neglected state again,” said Maureen Hilyard, President of Rotary. “But at the same time, we must all share some responsibility for its care and maintenance, even if just by just putting rubbish in the bin or reporting abuse of the equipment by irresponsible members of our community.”
Andy Olah of Timberlands supervised the repairs and provided much of the equipment. His construction team consisted of representatives from PTS Plumbing, CITC, Kingsley Homes, Upwind, Air NZ and Solar Bob.
The fencing and grounds team came from the Westpac Bank, Island Hopper, Duty Free Perfumes, Vonnias, Nikao Beach Videos, Winterfloods’ Cafe and various government departments.
Signage was donated by Cook Island Printing and the power supply by playground neighbour, Sam Karaponga.
Repairs will continue during the week as paint work is upgraded courtesy of CITC; steelwork is repaired by Rarotonga Welding; and the swings are replaced by CIIC.
Rotary will thank the crew who assisted with this valuable project at a dinner meeting in September.

By Maureen Hilyard

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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