The residents and staff at Enliven’s Kowhainui Home in Whanganui are grateful for a donation which has allowed them to build a children’s playground on-site.
“Thanks to a generous donation from a family whose mum was a resident with us and loved children, we were able to turn the courtyard into a well-used kid’s space,” says Kowhainui Home manager Trish Boswell.
“The residents, staff and whānau came up with the idea that a play area would be good for the grandchildren who come here, while also giving the elders joy to see families coming together.”
Help and donations have come from other parts of the community too, including Bunnings, which donated safety matting and play equipment.
Kowhainui Home also received extra help from Whanganui-based charity Grumpy Old Men, which donated some equipment. The charity breaks down old items for scrap metal to sell and puts all its funds towards projects or initiatives that will benefit children.
The children’s playground is one of a number of garden-focused initiatives Kowhainui Home is fundraising toward making a reality.
There are also initial plans drawn up to create a sensory garden in another of its courtyard areas. Trish says they are fundraising for the project and accepting donations for both the sensory garden and to add extra elements to the children’s playground.
Work was completed on the children’s playground in late July and Trish says it has already become a popular addition. There are plans to add more outdoor seating in that area and even a barbecue to enhance the family feel.
Enliven’s Kowhainui Home and Villages in Otamatea offers independent retirement living, rest home and hospital level care, as well as short-term respite, health recovery care and an engaging day programme. For more information call the friendly team on 06 349 1400.
