Cholmondeley Children’s Centre
Christchurch
A Fresh Start for Fun and Imagination
The playground overhaul was a key part of the centre’s centenary initiatives, focusing on enhancing the overall experience for children who visit for respite from family or sibling dynamics.
Gone are the rusty old swings, replaced by sturdy new ones made from strong, exposed wood that adds a natural aesthetic to the space. Staff at the centre report overwhelmingly positive feedback: “The children really love the new playground. The basket swing is probably one of our top two used pieces of equipment now.” This versatile basket swing allows kids to chill out, self-push, or enjoy a gentle ride from staff—perfect for moments of calm amid the excitement.
Other additions include seesaws and a highly anticipated flying fox that runs right down the side of the playground. Children were actively involved in the feedback process, with unanimous enthusiasm for the flying fox: “They’ve all said they wanted the flying fox. Flying fox. Good idea.” Staff echo this sentiment, noting that play is essential for development.
Collaboration and Challenges
Partnering with Creo made the selection process smoother, though not without its hurdles. “There’s a lot of choices. That was the difficult part is landing on the exact things that we wanted,” explained Darel, centre representative. Creo’s expertise helped narrow down options, resulting in equipment that’s not only functional but also visually appealing and durable. The single flying fox design was a standout choice, promising to become the playground’s star attraction once installed.
The project culminated in a special opening ceremony led by the Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. This event created a memorable milestone: “It’s been awesome to get to this stage with the playground to have the Minister for Children… open that for us that will sit with these children for a long time.”
Why Play Matters
At Cholmondeley Children’s Centre, play isn’t just recreation—it’s a cornerstone of emotional and developmental support. The renovated playspace ensures safer, more imaginative play opportunities, free from the wear and tear of the old setup. As one staff member put it, “We decided to renovate the playground for our centenary project so the kids have got a much better experience.” Early indicators show high engagement, with the basket swing already a favorite and the flying fox poised to take the top spot.
This renovation is more than an upgrade—it’s an investment in the joy and resilience of the children who call Cholmondeley a second home.
Connect with our team to design a vibrant playground, select top-tier equipment, explore safe surfacing, choose complete packages, or add shelters. Your ideas drive our creations.