Whatawhata School children are enjoying a $90,000 playground funded by a Hamilton business.
The facility was funded by Mitre 10 Mega Hamilton as part of ‘Project Playground’, a nationwide company Helping Hands initiative aimed at establishing play spaces and encouraging physical activity and creative play.
Four of the more than 20 Waikato schools that vied to receive a new playground went through to a public voting round.
Judges from Mitre 10 and its partner Playground People then visited each of those four schools, and based on a set of criteria that included the condition and number of existing playgrounds, roll size and the difficulty of self-funding based on local demographics, Whatawhata School was voted the winner.
Principal Rob Gunn described the opening of the new playground as a milestone achievement for the kura and community.
He said the school’s PTA had worked tirelessly for some time to fundraise for a new playground. They entered the national Project Playground competition in 2021 but missed out on that occasion, so gave it another shot.
“We are very thankful that Mitre 10 Mega Hamilton had a big enough heart to give back, and we are so thankful to those who supported us to make this happen, especially our school PTA,” said Gunn.
Hayden Camp, owner of Mitre 10 Mega Hamilton stores described the project as a great example of a business helping a community.
Corban Fray, marketing co-ordinator for Mitre 10 MEGA Hamilton stores managed the campaign.
“Seeing the incredible impact of opening this new playground for Whatawhata School, I am really proud of what we have achieved.”
Whatawhata School pupils enjoying their new playground courtesy of a Hamilton company ‘Helping Hands’ initiative.
