But when it rains, the kindergarten kids in the Te Awamutu suburb of Kihikihi had no place to play except within the limited confines of the classroom. A large patio was available but this had no roof. The kindergarten committee had funds for materials to roof the patio and create a veranda but could not afford to hire the labor. Te Awamutu Kiwanis to the rescue. In November and December of 1999, club members built a strong supporting structure, over the patio and roofed it with a combination of translucent plastic and iron corrugated sheets.
Many hands make light work.
A Kiwi builder at work. The completed veranda roof. The building of the Te Awamutu skateboard park was an excellent example of cooperation between service clubs, local government and the community. The park was conceived by the local skateboarders and their parents, championed by Kiwanis Past President Ian Kay , funding and construction managed by an ad hoc board with representatives from Kiwanis, Lions, the Community Board, the District Council and the skateboarders themselves. Design was done by a local architect with copious input from the skateboarders themselves.