Just what the pupils ordered

Children at Ardgowan School have an exciting place to play after their new playground fort was officially opened by Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton last night.

Pictured trying the slide are (from front) Laurinda Lowen (7), Ashlee Kane (5), Courtney Kershaw (6), Kaleb Kiwara (5), Josh Styles (5), Reid Smith (6), Teo Stohler (8), Zanskar Stohler (8), Mitchell Lowen (12), Flynn Blunden (7) and Brylee Lemm (7).

An old wooden fort at the school was pulled down in July, 2009 as it was "past its use-by date" and planning for a new structure began at the start of last year, Home and School chairwoman Kaye McLeod said.

Pupils drew up a wish-list early in the process and the end result included two turrets, a slide, fireman's pole, climbing net and climbing wall.

Last night's opening doubled as a welcome to the school community for new families, with a barbecue afterwards.