Caroline Bay Playground

The Caroline Bay Playground in Timaru is a community-driven project that celebrates Canterbury’s unique cultural and natural heritage. Voted Recreation Aotearoa’s 2024 Play Space of the Year, this destination playground is a testament to collaboration and creativity, with NumatREC playing a key role in bringing the vibrant surfacing to life.

Working closely with our partners at Creo, we contributed to the detailed design of the playground’s surface. The patterns surrounding the iconic lighthouse pay homage to Canterbury’s farming landscapes, while the “floor is lava” section reflects the region’s volcanic geological history.

 These elements are visually striking and deeply connected to the local environment and history.

Another highlight is the commitment to sustainability. Numat poured the surface of this playground over 25 years ago. Our team removed that surface and proNumat’sit into shock pads to create a soft fall surface under this vibrant design. 

One of the standout features is the Flying Fox Taniwha, designed by local artist Francine Spencer. Numat’s expert team took on the challenge of manufacturing and installing this feature, adding a touch of local artistry to the playground.

The junior play space, filled with educational opportunities like representations of the Southern Cross and moon phases, also recognizes the Pasifika community and integrates native stories into the design. 

This thoughtful approach ensures every visiting child feels a seWe’ref belonging and connection.

The surfacing for CPlay was designed with precision and care, making it a safe, durable, and visually compelling foundation for this award-winning playground. 

We’re proud to have been a part of this project, contributing to a space that will be cherished by the Timaru community for years to come.