Multi Sensory Centre opening soon at QEII Park
22 August 2003
The Southern Centre QE II Park - a multi sensory environment, designed
for people with disability will be officially opened by Christchurch Deputy
Mayor Lesley Keast on Monday 1 September.
Development of the Centre has been a long thorough process but
the result is much more than we had ever hoped for, says the Centre’s
co-ordinator, Sarah Kelly.
“We now have a world class facility that offers a wide range of recreation
and leisure experiences for people with profound and multiple disabilities,” she
says.
Among the Centre’s many high-tech features are a bubble wall with
eight bubble tubes that change colour and produce sounds; a light
zone with an ultra violet light display; a theromin or musical instrument
that
is activated by the proximity of the body, an interactive sound
floor, and a bungy chair.
“
It really is a magical space giving people with disability the
opportunity to explore different sensory experiences at their own pace
in a safe, fun environment,” Sarah says.
The Southern Centre is a project of Turning Point 2000 Children
2000. On the closure of Turning Point 2000 in April 2001, funding
for the centre was passed to Christchurch City Council Leisure,
to continue the project. Funding for the co-ordinator’s position
is provided by Christchurch City Council Leisure.
“
The Centre has been named the Southern Centre in recognition
of the partnership with the Southern Trust that enabled us to design and
make some of our most exciting equipment,” Sarah says. “Substantial
assistance has also come from our other principal partner the
Kiwanis International New Zealand South Pacific District Division
Eleven Clubs,
who with the backing of Lesley Keast have supported the project
from its inception. ”
Many charitable trusts throughout New Zealand have contributed
funds to the project, including The Community Trust, Lottery
Grants Board and The Gama Foundation.
Christchurch architect Ross Maguire designed the Centre, with
several Christchurch companies producing the custom designed
equipment. The project has also had a tremendous amount of
support from community
organisations, who have given their time and skills, Sarah
says.
While the Southern Centre is open to everybody, priority will
be given to people with disability, their families and caregivers. “Teachers
and therapists are also expected to make good use of the Centre and it
will be a great complement to the other recreational facilities at QEII,” Sarah
says. The facility is predicted to be well patronised by people
from throughout the South Island
The Southern Centre will be open for bookings from 15 September.
Bookings can be made through the QEII Swim Smart Booking
Office, Ph 941 7118, Fax: 941 7182 Email: QEIISwimSchool@ccc.govt.nz
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