A synergy of more than $65,000 of local funding, donations and community spirit has resulted in a garden playground built around the black-gold town’s history.
"This garden area grew out of the ‘Our Place Kaitangata Project’ to develop the place where the War Memorial Hall once stood," co-organiser Joyce Beck said.
"This is why we have named it Kaitangata War Memorial Garden as a memorial to the soldiers from this community who fought in the wars."
"Denise Dent has been our original ideas person, designing the pathway to replicate the Clutha River as it flows around our town.
"She worked with me on the information boards ... had the idea of having a replica of the Kai Train as part of the playground and drew up the initial sketch for the South Otago Woodcraft group.
"[She] donated proceeds from her Blood on the Coal production [and] made the application to the Otago Community Trust from which we were allocated a grant of $15,000."
Dozens of individuals and organisations including the Clutha District Council stepped up throughout the project to volunteer and donate work, time and resources.
Near the corner of Kaitangata’s main intersection, the sunny garden is open to provide local people and visitors with a restful space and to describe the history and hopes of the area.
