Local Families came out to play recently at Dargaville’s Memorial Park and Sportsville Facility. Over 400 people attended the “Play in the Park” event with activities ranging from fire engine and pony rides to face painting and a giant blow-up slide. Grandparents, Mums, Dads and children all enjoying the family focused event which saw many local organisations working together to offer the day to the community. Not only were the activities free however organisations also gave out free fruit, water and Silver Fern Farms provided a free BBQ.

Based on the Sport New Zealand play principles, “Play in the Park” was an idea to encourage more use and continued casual use of the local park by the community and was initially part of the opening of the new sports facility “Sportsville” in Dargaville held last year. The day was very successful not only as an opening but more importantly as a community event where local groups collaborated to provide a fun day for the families. Because of this success, the community asked for it to be a regular event.

With this in mind Sport Northland and Kaipara District Council worked with local whānau focused groups to present the second “Play in the Park”. Up to now these groups had been working on their own, providing Tamariki Ora and Children’s Days events jsut weeks apart aiming at the same children and yet struggling with resources and volunteers. It has been exciting seeing the connection of providers coming together to pool resources and provide an exceptional experience for their community. “There is a real buzz when you come out of meetings, everyone is excited about working together” says Sport Northland Connector, Roxanne Kelly.

There has been great momentum with the community groups inviting others to join. It is certainly a true collaboration within the community and is far reaching. The group have decided that “Play in the Park” will remain a branding for the Whānau days and will become an annual event. Not only that, they are now looking at supporting another regular event “Whānau Day” – a Silver Fern Farms Family Day at the local pool each Christmas as well as organising a Winter Festival Day. One of the organisers, Maria Boon from Te Ha Oranga says “I am so excited to work alongside all of these community groups with the same vision, to provide excellent and fun experiences to our Whānau”.