20 Fun Facts About Margaret Mahy Playground
1. Biggest Playground – This is the biggest playground in the Southern Hemisphere!
2. After the Earthquake – The playground was built after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake to help rebuild the city.
3. Children Helped Design It – 6,000 children gave ideas for the playground!
4. Named After a Writer – It is named after Margaret Mahy, a famous New Zealand writer for children.
5. Lots of Play Equipment – The playground has slides, swings, a flying fox, and climbing towers.
6. Water Play – There is a water play area where children can splash and have fun.
7. Safe but Exciting – The playground is designed to be safe but fun, so children can climb and explore.
8. Story Path – A special path tells stories from Margaret Mahy's books.
9. Easy to Find – The playground is in the city center, so people can visit easily.
10. Expensive to Build – The whole playground cost 40 million dollars to make.
11. Nature and Play Together – The playground has trees, hills, and grass to feel like nature.
12. Popular with Families – Many families and tourists love to visit.
13. Hot Slides? – Some slides got too hot, so the city put shade over them.
14. More Fun Added – New things, like bigger slides, were added later.
15. Food Nearby – There are food trucks and BBQ areas for families.
16. Not for Everyone? – Some people say the playground needs more things for children with disabilities.
17. Events and Shows – The playground sometimes has events and performances.
18. Learn While You Play – Some parts of the playground help children learn new things.
19. Good for the Planet – The playground uses eco-friendly materials.
20. People Love It! – Visitors say it is one of the best playgrounds in New Zealand!
Conversation Questions
1. Arriving at the Playground
What do you see? (trees, slides, swings, water, people, children)
Is this playground big or small?
Have you been here before?
2. Walking Around
What colors do you see?
Do you like this place? Why?
What is different from playgrounds in your country?
3. Watching the Children Play
What are the children doing? (running, jumping, playing, climbing)
Did you play on swings and slides when you were young?
What games did you play when you were a child?
4. Story Path
Do you like reading stories?
What is your favorite story from your country?
Can you read this sentence? (Choose an easy sentence from the story path.)
5. Water Play Area
Is the water cold or warm?
Do you like playing with water?
Where is a beautiful water place in your country?
6. Sitting on a Bench & Relaxing
Is the weather hot or cold today?
Do you like sitting in the sun or in the shade?
What do you like about this playground?
7. Comparing Playgrounds
Are playgrounds in your country big or small?
Do children in your country play outside a lot?
Do you think this is a good place for children? Why?
8. Trying Food
What food do you see?
Would you like a coffee or tea?
What is your favorite New Zealand food?
9. Taking Photos
What do you want to take a photo of?
Who do you want to show your photo to?
Can you describe your photo? (“This is a big slide. It is red.”)
10. Saying Goodbye
Did you enjoy the playground? Why?
What was your favorite part?
Would you like to come again?