Kids revel in giant sand pit at quarry

DIG DEEP: Children had a field day at the Stevenson Drury quarry community day, clambering into cabs, bouncing along in concrete trucks and clawing for treasure in the giant sandpit.

More than 2000 people poured through the gates of Stevenson’s Drury quarry last Saturday on its second community day.

By the end of the day staff had given away more than 2000 sausages, 100 loaves of bread, 1500 bottles of water, almost 600 icecreams and 800 coffees.

General manager Steve Ellis says the response from the public was "overwhelming".

"We had even bigger numbers of visitors this year than on our inaugural community day in 2007.

"The open day gives the community an understanding of what we do at the quarry, as well as a fun day out."

A giant sandpit with regularly replenished hidden treasure was a huge hit with the children as were the rides on the dumper and concrete trucks.

They also loved the chance to get up close to bulldozers and other quarry equipment and were allowed to clamber into the cabs of the quarry’s stationary plant and equipment.

The community day was also an educational opportunity. A video of a quarry blast ran on a continuous loop and information about modern apprenticeships housed in a giant marquee.

- © Fairfax NZ News