Community
Excitement levels are rising as the Northern Community Board and Southland District Council get closer to finalising the planning for a redevelopment of the Lumsden playground.
In addition to local community input via SDC’s Long Term Plan, the Northern Community Board has secured additional funding of $100,000 from the government three waters reform Better Off funding package.
The playground redevelopment will be at the site of the existing playground, 23 Diana Street, Lumsden.
With work set to begin later this year, soil testing was undertaken in the playground area due to the history of this site being an old railway station and yard for storing materials. Results from the soil testing came back clear in the main playground area. Samples taken on the perimeter of the playground showed very low levels of hydrocarbons.
This will mean that the soil excavated during the construction phase of the project will be disposed of at an appropriate landfill. To further clarify, although there were slightly elevated contaminant levels, they are still well below the relevant standards and won’t result in any risk to health.
The playground redevelopment has been designed in a way to integrate the unique heritage of Lumsden and bringing in the railway theme to the playground. Some existing playground elements are staying, making this a rich sensory play experience for children to look forward to.
Northern Community Board chairperson Greg Tither said “we are excited to see this project come to fruition. It will be a great community asset.”
Feedback from the community at a playground activation day held during the Lumsden Gala Day in November 2022 helped form the concept design and elements that will be used in the playground.
Feedback from the community is currently being sought on the interactive panels to be included in the development.
To find out more information and vote for your favourite three panels, head to makeitstick.nz/lumsden-playground-redevelopment
Hard copies of the voting forms are also available at the SDC Lumsden area office.
Voting closes Monday 4 September.
We will keep the community updated as this project progresses and timeframes are finalised.