Supported by local businesses, funding organisations, and donors, the playground has been an ongoing project for the Greater Green Island Community Network.
Community Network worker Larna McCarthy said the shade sail was funded through a $10,000 grant from the Bendigo Valley Foundation, via the Commercial Tavern in Green Island.
The shade sail, which will cover the seating area of the new playground, is being installed by Gerald Orr, of Weather Wise Shades Dunedin.
The installation should be completed by the end of the month, including tightening the sail once the cement is set, Mr Orr said.
Commercial Tavern owner Richard Michael said the money generated through the pub’s gaming machines had been distributed to the community through the Bendigo Valley Foundation over many years.
The foundation had contributed $32,000 to the fundraising effort for the $210,000 playground when the project began three years ago, and had now followed up with $10,000 towards the shade sail.
‘‘It has been a great project to support — it is very nice to see all the children playing and enjoying the space,’’ Mr Michael said.
The shade sail was the final, much anticipated piece of the Green Island Playground project, which will be celebrated with a Teddy Bears Picnic on Wednesday, April 12, from noon to 2pm, Ms McCarthy said.
Now that the playground was almost complete, work had begun on the final element of developing the area — creating a stage and barbecue area for whanau to enjoy.
These would be situated in the Memorial Gardens, with the permission of the Returned and Services Association, and plans were being discussed with Dunedin City Council.
