Channel Magazine went along to join in the fun at Charlie’s Playdate, held at the Takapuna Beach Playground on Saturday June 24th. The event was an initiative of the Takapuna North Community Trust, supported by the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board.
When the Takapuna Beach Playground was conceived by local couple, and key funders, Jackie and Chris Reeve, a key ingredient was that it catered for those with disabilities. In fact they consulted closely with organisations such as the Wilson Home who work in that sector. It is ironic therefore that the Charlie’s Playdate event resulted from an unpleasant happening at the playground for a disabled youngster. Charlie Gordon-Stables (6) visited the playground with his mum Kirstin McKendry and had a seizure as they arrived. Two other mothers present told Kirstin that Charlie should go away, because he was frightening their children.
Kirstin detailed her experience on a local residents Facebook page and received lots of support. As a result the Takapuna community rallied around Charlie and Kirstin and the idea for the Charlie’s Playdate event was conceived. Takapuna North community coordinator Sarah Thorne decided that holding a fun, accessible and inclusive event at Takapuna Beach Playground would be the perfect way to demonstrate community support for other parents of children with special needs and show them that our public spaces are for everyone.
There was certainly a real party atmosphere with face painters, children's entertainers, decorations, bubbles and lot of locals – including local policemen mixing and mingling in the fun. Channel captured some highlights.