Proposed $100,000 wheelchair swing in North Canterbury aims to get children 'off the sidelines'

Having a swing is a right of passage for most children, and disability advocates hope to offer the same experience to those in a wheelchair.

Waimakariri District Council is backing the Chris Ruth Centre and Driving Miss Daisy in fundraising for and installing a wheelchair swing in Kaiapoi's Darnley Square, pledging to take ownership and be responsible for ongoing maintenance once the swing is complete.

Everyone deserves the freedom of a swing, Chris Ruth Centre Kaiapoi executive leader Caroline Spollen said.

"Imagine being a child at a playground, watching your brothers, sisters and friends laughing and enjoying the swings, while you sit on the sidelines because your wheelchair means you can't join in.

"It's time to get off the sidelines."

The project was expected to cost $100,000, including installation costs, with the two disability service providers having raised more than $2000 so far.

Council staff estimated maintenance costs would be about $3000 a year.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said the council wanted to ensure its parks and reserves were "welcoming and accessible" to everyone.

"From the video presentation to the council, we could clearly see how much joy could come from having an accessible swing for people with disabilities.

"It is something the council wants to fully support and enable, and we welcome the proactive way the group is going about fundraising."

Ms Spollen said the project quickly gained momentum after she discussed the idea with Driving Miss Daisy franchisees Heather Anderson and Rochelle McLachlan.

Ms Anderson said there were no wheelchair swings in the Waimakariri and Hurunui districts, but there was "a huge need".

Pitau-Allenvale School, a specialist education service, had a satellite education centre at Ashgrove School in Rangiora, while Rangiora High School offered the lighthouse programme for students funded by the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS).

Ms Spollen said Darnley Square had a small playground, next to the Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre, which would hold the key to the swing.

"It needs to a quieter playground so it's not too stimulating and it's a nice spot where families could have a picnic.

"It has a nice hub here with Kaiapoi Community Centre, Plunket, the tennis club, toy library and the pool all in one location.

"To the Kaiapoi community, this is known as the angel park, so I think it is quite fitting."

A quiz night had been organised in an effort to raise funds, and a stall and raffles were planned for the Kaiapoi Christmas Carnival on Saturday, November 28.

"We are aiming to raise some funds and then apply for grants, and we are looking for sponsorship from local businesses," Ms Anderson said.