Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Christchurch aims to be world capital of urban play

Christchurch aims to be world capital of urban play
August 12, 2022

A three-year programme being led by Gap Filler and in partnership with Christchurch City Council and ChristchurchNZ is under way to establish Christchurch as a world capital of urban play.

Gap Filler is an award-winning placemaking and urban regeneration social enterprise in Christchurch contributing to conversations about cities. The Gap Filler initiative generates a wide range of temporary projects, events, installations and amenities in the city. Gap Filler’s short-term, small-scale projects allow for experimentation and the testing of new ideas and are all about getting everyday people participating in and shaping their city in a range of ways.

Gap Filler’s three-year Place of Play programme is being conducted from their new Place of Play HQ in High Street and is aimed at making the city more memorable, equitable, sociable, diverse and fun.

Kate Kinnerty, co-ordinator of Place of Play says play has a magic ability to engage the senses, connect communities, prompt conversations and to create new ways of doing things.

Kinnerty notes “It’s just as important for adults to play as well as children. Play allows us to imagine and find solutions for a future that is different to today.’’

Gap Filler’s Pae Tākaro Place of Play HQ in High Street will be a public shopfront for play in the city, with changing installations and exhibitions every six to eight weeks.

Upcoming Place of Play projects feature projection works, yarn bombs and a playful approach to a Council installation.

“It’s a really exciting programme, there are so many aspects to it.

“We will work with our partners to dream up projects, events and responses to what it means to play, for the benefit of this city as a whole and, of course, for its people.’’

Image credit: Christchurch City Council 

Related Articles

8th August 2022 - Christchurch City Council decides to retain Rolleston House as a space for local artists

29th July 2022 - ASM Global Advantage shows flexibility at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

26th July 2022 - Canterbury Showgrounds to become permanent home of Christchurch Christmas Show Parade

14th July 2022 - Fixed price negotiated for design and construction of Christchurch multi-use arena, Te Kaha

24th May 2022 - New cultural markers installed around Christchurch city centre

6th May 2022 - Approval given for expansion of miniature railway attraction in Christchurch’s Halswell Domain

10th February 2022 - Christchurch’s popular coin-operated dance floor to be relocated

9th February 2022 - Christchurch Arts Centre installs innovative vending machine to dispense art

11th January 2022 - New concert and family festival added to Christchurch summer events

23rd November 2021 - Christchurch community encouraged to explore parks and walking trails not previously visited

22nd September 2021 - Cathedral Square site in Christchurch temporarily transformed into urban park

14th November 2016 - Innovative Christchurch playground wins NZRA Outstanding Project Award


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

AMPD Academy

Originally founded to meet the specific training requirements of its own venue management operations, Ampd Academy now embraces a broader mission to combat skill shortages across Australian…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Education / Recreation / Safety

 
 

Myrtha Pools

Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks / Wellness

 
 

ProSlide Technology

ProSlide is the global leader in water ride design and manufacturing, supplying high-performance water attractions to new and expanding water parks around the world. For over three decades, ProSlide…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Waterparks

 
 

Fun Wheels Pty Ltd

Fun Wheels Pty Ltd are the premium dealer in Australasia for the Dutch company BERG’s commercial and domestic products. Our flagship product is their revolutionary pedal go-kart – the…

read more

Attractions / Tourism / Venues

 
 

LIFE FLOOR (Aus & NZ)

Our team believes floors should be beautiful, comfortable, and engineered for safety, even when wet. Life Floor tiles meet six unique performance based standards: slip-resistance, impact absorption,…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Recreation / Safety / Surfaces

 
 

The Jump Pad

The Jump Pad is a safe, flat inflatable made in a variety of sizes which can be used indoor or outdoor. From 3mx3m up to a whopping 9mx21m. Markets include Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, schools,…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Play

 
 

SimplySwim

    SimplySwim is a school management solution that helps swimming school owners and managers optimize operations by automating functions such as managing class schedules, billing and…

read more

Aquatics / Education / Recreation / Safety / Technology

 
 

PlayRope

Playrope Aqua-Fun, are the Australian & New Zealand exclusive distributors for Vortex Aquatic Structures International, the world leader in aquatic playgrounds and urban water landscapes.…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Parks / Play / Recreation

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business