Rural Playground Scheme
The Rural Playground Scheme contributes towards the provision of playground equipment for the development of playgrounds in communities where the Council does not have available reserve land.
Council Contribution
Assistance will be in the form of playground equipment to the value of $10,000 per playground. The Council will pay the amount directly to the supplier of the equipment on completion of the project.
The Council will also assist the community in writing, advertising and managing the contract.
Community Contribution
Collateral funding (in addition to that provided by the Council) will be essential to acquire an asset of value to the community. The community receiving the playground is responsible for providing or organising the further required resources.
The community may contribute towards the development of the playground through in kind support in the way of labour.
The ongoing maintenance of the playground will be the responsibility of the community.
Who Can Apply
Any group or member of a community that is domiciled in the Whakatane District and where there is no available Council reserve land can apply to the scheme.
This excludes the provision of playgrounds on Marae.
How and When to Apply
Applications should be made in writing as submissions to the Annual Plan.
How Your Application is Assessed
The applications are considered annually by Council when considering submissions to the Annual Plan.
The following policy applies to the development of rural playgrounds on non-Council owned land:
- the site of the playground must be within the bounds of the Whakatane District
- the land and the playground design must be mutually acceptable to the Council and the community
- the grant will be in the form of equipment to be installed to meet the New Zealand Playground Safety Standards
- the playground must be available to the general public
- the maintenance of the playground will be the responsibility of the community.
Applications for funding the development of rural playgrounds will be evaluated against the:
- adequacy of existing playgrounds in the community applying for the grant
- ability to purchase land for the purpose in the community.
Examples of Successful Applications Include:
- playground equipment for Ruatahuna community playground
- playground equipment for Taiwhakaea community playground
Accountability
The Council will be assist in writing, advertising and managing the contract.
Council staff members will undertake at least one monitoring visit during the course of the project to assess progress and ensure playground safety standards are being met.
Council staff will attend the opening of the playground.
Find Out More
For further information on Rural Playground Scheme contact Customer Services on 07 306 0500.