From Craigmore to Mongolia: Playford’s playgrounds spread joy

From Craigmore to Mongolia: Playford's playgrounds spread joy
Over 700 children now have direct access to Playford’s play equipment, which has been installed in Mongolia.

Earlier this year, Tareena and Taunton Reserves in Craigmore were upgraded, with the installation of play equipment, basketball courts, shelters and bench seats.

As part of the upgrades, City of Playford had an opportunity to take part in the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds project. This is an initiative that sees unwanted playgrounds from councils and schools collected and sent to developing overseas communities.

The equipment from Tareena and Taunton Reserves is among six donated playgrounds from across South Australia relocated to Mongolia.

The Rotary Club of Gerege in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, has received the playgrounds and supervised their re-construction and installation at childcare facilities and kindergartens near the city.

Over 700 children now have direct access to Playford’s play equipment, which has been installed in the kindergarten and library in the Songinokhairkhan district.

Mayor Glenn Docherty said Council was delighted to be participating in such an important international project.

“This was a perfect opportunity to repurpose and recycle play equipment to support the wellbeing of children in developing communities, ” said Mayor Docherty.

“Playgrounds offer so much more than just equipment- they provide a space for people to be active, connect and socialise with others and build their confidence while they learn new skills.”

“We hope the children of Ulaanbaatar receive as much joy from these playgrounds as the children of Playford did,” said Mayor Glenn Docherty.

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Rotary Clubs Australia collect unwanted playgrounds from councils and schools and send them to developing overseas communities.

Starting with a single playground to a girl’s school in Sri Lanka, the project has collected playgrounds from across Australia, sending them to countries including Mongolia, Timor Leste, Philippines, Tanzania and Sri Lanka.

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