Mt Maunganui Playcentre Build

The centre new build is well under way with the external cladding finished and the painting starting, the internal linings (Gib board) have been delivered early September. Awesome progress is being made by Mark Billing and his crew!

Sand Fleas and Sand Pit Care

Sand fleas (sand hoppers) are small jumping crustaceans that can sometimes be found in sand pits (generally in dryer seasons). Sand fleas allegedly do not bite people or pets (although some people challenge this statement) and they are not the same as Sand flies or Sea lice, which do bite.

Once established in a sand pit, sand fleas are notoriously difficult to eradicate, often leading to replacement of all the sand and sterilisation of the pit (an expensive solution). The following practices are therefore encouraged to disturb its habitat, limit its food and prevent them breeding:

  • Raking – helps remove its food (leaf litter and algae)
  • Hosing – disrupts algae growth and keeps sand clean.

Online searches provide information about potential treatments for this pest:

  • Seek help from a pest control professional (ask about non-toxic treatments)
  • Use over the counter repellents that also work against sand fleas (ask pharmacist) 

As with most issues – prevention is the key.

 

 

 

Plastic Forts

These cannot be set up on grass. In most of these the platforms and barriers of them are over 600mm and any item over 600mm high must be set up on certified soft fall, with a fall zone of 1500mm all around the equipment (and 1500mm out of the swing fall zone). Unfortunately, we tend to see many of these set up on grass only. Please note that mats around this equipment are not counted as certified soft fall.

Building Check

If you notice any recent damage to the exterior of your building, in the first instance please notify

[email protected]. Please include images and details of the damage.

Property FAQ

FAQ are available on the website, Property FAQ’s | Playcentre/. These are updated as new questions are asked.

If you have had situations at your centre that you think other centres may appreciate knowing, please let us know at [email protected] and we can arrange for them to be added to the FAQ page of the Playcentre website.

Property Maintenance Records

Ensure that you keep a property folder with records of all maintenance you have completed at your Centre and who completed it. This should include bark and sand top ups with a record of the amount required, total cost, and the contractor who supplied/completed it. Property and playground checklists should also be kept in this folder. This will help members with future maintenance.

 Property Projects

Playcentre Aotearoa ask that all centres email the admin team: [email protected] at the very start of a project when you are initially thinking about undertaking any project. This information will then be distributed to the appropriate property team member who may be in touch to discuss any potential support or issues, guidance and advice that may be identified by the team. This is for both playcentre funding assisted projects and non-playcentre funded projects. This includes building and playground projects. This could prevent costly mistakes!

Who are the Property Team Members?

Please click the link below to view the property team members contact details.

https://www.playcentre.org.nz/learnwithus/property/property-contacts/