Numbers low but enthusiasm high at NP Playcentre

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 546, 26 July 1994, Page 1

Numbers low but enthusiasm high at NP Playcentre

The numbers may be fewer during the winter months, but the enthusiasm level of mothers at the National Park Playcentre in Carroll Street makes up for those absentees. Those in attendance at the twice-weekly sessions drops in accordance with the temperature, with around 23 children during the summer months, and about half that number in the winter. The welcome reception is just as warm, however. The playcentre opens its doors each Tuesday and Thursday between 9.30am- 12pm to children aged from birth to five years. A welcome is extended to prospective mothers also, to call in for a coffee and get to know those already in attendance. Around 12 families from the area are regular centre users, with some casuals visiting during the ski season.

The centre is well stocked with plenty to keep youngsters amused - popular pastimes of playdough, painting and wood-working, as well as a cosy reading corner and dress-up area. An on-going project is to equip the playcentre with indoor and outdoor play equipment that can be changed and manipulated. One such example is a flexible crawl tube recently purchased that has proven to be extremely popular with youngsters. The mothers run regular activity mornings; one example was a recent hair-dressing session that had the children doubling for models, emerging with technicolour hair. A stream of tutors also pass through the centre, instructing parents on subjects ranging from encouraging creativity in children, to positive parenting.