134 b e c o m i n g p a r t o f t h e c o m m u n i t y
Playground suggestions
• Involve as many people in the community as possible in building
and maintaining the playground. The playground must be
cleaned and repaired regularly, and this will require planning and
organization.
• Keep the playground simple and build it from local, low-cost
materials. This way, people can copy the ideas and build equipment
for their child in their own homes.
• For poles that are put into the ground, use a kind of wood that does
not rot quickly. Paint the part that will be underground with old
motor oil, tar, or other insect- and fungus-resistant substances.
• Swings can be hung from ropes or chains. Ropes are cheaper but
may rot or wear through quickly. Plastic or nylon rope will not rot in
the rain but it will grow brittle and weak in the sun.
• Check the strength of poles and ropes frequently by having several
heavy people pull on them at one time. Replace the ropes when they
first start to weaken.
• Make sure that children are included in the playground design,
construction, and maintenance. Much of the work can be done by
children with adults to guide them.
helping children who are blind