Members of St Paul's Anglican Church Gloucester celebrated the blessing of its new playground and social space.
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It was during Bishop Sonia Roulston's visit to the church on Sunday, October 13 that sparked the idea for organising an official launch and thank you to all the people who helped make the project happen.
According to the church's rector, Rob Llewellyn the project has been in the making over the past two years.
"It was a vision project to build something to help the church connect with the community," Reverend Llewellyn explained.
The project was a whole church community effort with many volunteering time, labour and materials to help bring the vision to life.
"The entire project's materials and labour have been donated by St Paul's parishioners and local community businesses," he said.
Situated out back of the church on Hume Street, the area consists of children's play equipment, a mini roadway, a sandpit, an oversized chessboard, a couple herb and vegetable gardens, a couple picnic benches and a covered coffee area.
But the project is not yet finished with plans to add in more children's play equipment, plus seating around the centre tree with a stage.
The entire project's materials and labour have been donated by St Paul's parishioners and local community businesses.
- Reverend Rob Llewellyn
The idea is to bring the church outdoors and for the the playground to be the centrepiece of the church community.
"The church has left the church," Rev Llewellyn smiled.
The area has been designed to complement the church's youth based programs. The pre-school aged children are able to utilise the play equipment after Wednesday's Music Time, while all those involved in the Kids Church on Sunday mornings can spend some of their time outdoors.
But the area isn't just for the children. Its layout, designed by parishioner John Hayward, incorporates areas for the adults to hang out and engage in conversation.
"It's an enclosed space, fully fenced so parents can relax and build relationships knowing the kids are safe," he explained.
Not to mention, soaking up the picturesque view of The Bucketts mountain range.
"It's such a blessing to have the community contribute so generously and a great opportunity for the church to connect with the younger community," Rev Llewellyn said.
The primary business contributors were Bucketts Building Supplies, Trellis Earthworks and Landscape Supplies, Gloucester Landscapes, Nico Dunyhoven and Yates Bros Timber.