Playcentre crowdfunds for costly security

STAYING POSITIVE: The team at Carterton Playcentre are fundraising for a security system to help protect their building and playground from vandals.

Carterton playcentre is turning to crowdfunding to help protect its building and keep vandals at bay.

The centre's team of parents has been exploring options to increase security at its Belvedere Rd premises after a spate of vandalism, reports of people sleeping rough on the grounds and an attempted break in earlier this month.

However, an effective security system will cost the centre, run by unpaid volunteers and already cash-strapped from paying for repairs and two insurance excesses, several thousand dollars. The centre also needs to raise close to $100,000 for a substantial upgrade of its aging building.

Taking a lead from Taupo Playcentre, which had similar problems with vandalism, the Carterton parents have set up a Givealittle page to raise funds for the security system and later, the upgrade.

Team leader Liz Crow said the centre would also approach businesses for sponsorship, and fundraise within the community.

"We're doing what we can to put the word out there," Ms Crow said. "It's has been a bit of a kick in the guts, but we're trying to stay positive. Our centre is here for the community and, if people can't respect that then we need to do everything possible to protect it."

The centre's woes began in December when vandals damaged playground equipment, toys and the outdoor plastic curtains used as shelter from bad weather, which were slashed with a knife.

A few short months later, a burglar attempted to break in, removing pins in the building's front door.

"We're gutted -- it's really disappointing," Ms Crow said.

"There's nothing of value people can take, but it has value to us and it's a huge cost to replace.

"Why would someone target a charitable organisation that works with children? It doesn't make sense."

Parents have also reported seeing a person squatting outside the centre, who has taken off over the fence when approached.

Adding to the parents' headache is incessant littering, likely from teens hanging out at Howard Booth Park -- anything from cigarette butts to bags of old nappies opened and scattered on the grass.

"It's pretty yuck," Ms Crow said.

"We're having to go on rubbish duty, just like we had to do in high school -- and that's time we could be spending running the centre."

The centre has been given quotes for a system with two security cameras, which would cost close to $5000.

The parents also plan to install outdoor lighting, and prune surrounding trees, giving would-be vandals fewer places to hide.

Ms Crow said the gates to the playground, previously open to the community, are padlocked after hours, with a "Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted Sign" put in place.

"It's a shame because we want to be open to our families. But we have to get the message across to these people."

Though the parents have been shaken, they are determined not to be beaten -- and are focusing on applying for grants for the upgrade, which will include a revamped kitchen and bathroom, improved cloakroom, insulation and a woodwork area.

"We're pretty staunch -- we'll get through it," playcentre mum Leah Wynne said.