When Lumsden Playcentre shut their doors in January this year due to low numbers, Lumsden mother and long-term resident, Taylor Stevenson, was determined that this would be a very short term solution.

Jax Stevenson (3) checks out one of the many toys available at the revamped Mid Northern Southland Toy Library in Lumsden. Photo: Jeanna Rodgers

Her vision was to utilise the building better and the first stage of this “revamping” is about to be unveiled for the public tomorrow (10 June) as they reopen as Lumsden Playgroup.

The last few months have been a bit of a blur for Taylor and fellow Playcentre mum, Lisa Reid, who have spent countless hours cleaning, sorting, throwing out, painting and tidying around Playcentre and the grounds, but everything has fallen into place and they are ready to reopen offering three sessions a week.

Tuesday mornings are for littlies (0-2), Friday mornings for all ages, while Wednesday mornings are offering even more excitement as they head off on “forest adventures” around Northern Southland.

As well as Playgroup President, Taylor also took on the role of President of the Mid Northern Southland Toy Library which has been set up in part of the Playcentre hall for the last 5 or so years.

Toy Library had also hit a bit of a low with diminishing numbers and a real need for a cleanup.

Taylor’s enthusiasm has reignited a spark and the library has also undergone a major stocktake and tidy, the online system has been reinstated and toys are now just waiting to be borrowed.

Toy library will be offering regular opening hours including a weekend slot each month, but people are welcome to come and have a nosy on 10th June from 10am - 12:30pm as well.

None of this happens without support and they would like to acknowledge the funding from Playcentre and past community donations.

Toy Library would also like to thank Grasslands Community Fund whose donation will be used to purchase some new toys in the future.

When asked how they feel about the reopening, Taylor’s response was “Lisa and I have worked incredibly hard to provide a space that tamariki and caregivers can come and feel safe and welcome. Where we can grow, learn and of course have some messy fun together. It is a joy to see the centre that has stood for over 60 years opening again and will once again be filled with the magic only tamariki can bring.”

While you’d think sorting two groups would be enough, Taylor has great plans to turn the building into a bit of a Hub and offer space for people to run other activities.

A few of the things she is keen to get off the ground include some after school art classes, a mums’ coffee group and a space for youth to hang out.

With it looking so vibrant and welcoming, they’re only limited by their imagination.