Free sunscreen trial for city playgrounds

A pilot scheme will see free sunscreen available at two city playgrounds in what's believed to be a first for New Zealand.

Sunscreen dispensers are being installed at the Margaret Mahy Playground and the Botanic Gardens Playground later this week in a trial being run by the Council’s Parks Team. A third dispenser, for Scarborough Park Playground in Sumner, is planned.  

Four-year-old Zoe Gordon helps herself to some free sunscreen at the Margaret Mahy Playground.

The sunscreen will be free for people to use at the parks and will not cost the Council because it’s provided by SkinCan NZ, a group that's passionate about reducing New Zealand’s high rates of skin cancer.

SkinCan is using sponsorship from local businesses to cover the cost of the sunscreen and dispensers and will take responsibility for filling them, replacing batteries in the units, and any other maintenance.

The new dispensers will be launched at Margaret Mahy Playground this Friday at 2pm by City Councillor Anne Galloway. 

SkinCan was founded by Tony and Leeann Marriott after Leeann lost her brother to melanoma about three years ago when he was 48. The Christchurch couple decided to do something to help raise awareness of skin cancer and through SkinCan, they organised a Free Skin Check Day for over 50-year-olds by skin specialists at the Canterbury Charity Hospital Trust on Harewood Rd last year.

It will be held again this year at the same location this Saturday 27 October.

Mrs Marriott, a real estate agent, says skin cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand and sun protection is the best prevention strategy. “We discovered that in the United States many local authorities provide sunscreen dispensers at local parks and beaches, so we approached the Christchurch City Council to see if they were interested in a similar scheme here.

"We were blown away when a very enthusiastic group jumped at the offer and we've also had great support from local businesses as sponsors. Christchurch is the first Council in New Zealand to provide free sunscreen to residents in this way and we think it’s leading by example.”

Council Parks Team Leader Nicky Brown says the trial is an opportunity to provide sun protection to families who might have forgotten to bring their own sunblock or who find it difficult to afford to buy it themselves.

“We know that New Zealand’s sunlight can be very harsh in the summer and this is a way to help out people who are enjoying our parks and playgrounds. We’re very positive about SkinCan's initiative and we think people will benefit from it. We want to look after our residents so they leave with good experiences, not with sunburn.”

The sunscreen units are hygienic to use and will be located away from playground equipment to avoid the cream being smeared over it. They’re filled with SPF 30 Bright Guard Natural sunscreen which has been approved by local dermatologists.

The trial will be evaluated and, if successful, dispensers could be introduced at other locations around the city. Any businesses who are interested in sponsoring a site can contact SkinCan.