Children’s dream world

Press, 9 December 1982, Page 6

Children’s dream world

Visitors to Christchurch's ‘•Driveworld." the latest concept in children's playgrounds. will not be "taken for a ride." The aim of the complex, which will open at Queen Elizabeth II Park on Saturday, is to give each ticketholder the chance to work vehicles and machines by themselves, rather than simply buying a ride. The vehicles range from a scale model Mack truck and two mini motor-cycles for pre-schoolers, to a slightly

larger excavator and loader for children aged between six and 15. For children who prefer the more conventional glamour of motor-racing, there are two scale-model Formula I racing cars complete with a mini race track. Other features include modified three-wheeler motor-cycles, tw-o of which are fitted with safety bars for racing in a “Dirt Track Derby," and the other two with aluminium roll cages for more courageous chil-

dren. The scale models have been designed and built by the complex's creator. Mr Colin Wood, of Cromwell. The complex is just the starting point of what Mr Wood hopes to develop into an expansive area of earthmoving machines, automobiles of all description, planes, and boats — all built to scale for different agegroups, and working as near as possible to the originals. His long-term plans in-

clude a scale model railway station, manoeuvrable aircraft on extended arms, a space citv complete with little spaceships from which junior pilots try to shoot down their counterparts, and a motorised sphere which can be driven from the inside. Rides will cost between $1 and $2.50 depending on the age-group. Each ride is expected to last about six minutes. The complex will cater for up to 1000 visitors a day.