Mbombela Municipality’s public-private partnership to fix local playgrounds
Originally published on 24 July 2019
Children in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) are enjoying brighter, safer, and more stimulating play spaces, thanks to a concerted effort to upgrade and improve local playgrounds.
What was the problem?
Many of Mbombela's playgrounds had fallen into disrepair, posing safety risks to children and limiting their opportunities for active play and social interaction. Decayed equipment and worn-out surfaces had made these spaces unsafe for healthy childhood development. The lack of quality play areas was a concern for parents and community leaders alike.
How did they fix it?
The local municipality, with community organisations and businesses, recognised the importance of safe and stimulating play spaces for children. They began on a project to upgrade and revitalise Mbombela's playgrounds. This involved repairing existing equipment, installing new features and enhancing the overall safety and accessibility of these vital community assets.
So, how did they do it?
Community engagement and consultation: The project began with extensive consultations with local residents, parents and children to gather feedback on their needs and preferences for playground improvements. This ensured that the upgraded play spaces reflected the community's priorities and would be well-utilised by local families.
Public-private partnerships: The municipality forged partnerships with local businesses and organisations to secure funding, materials and expertise for the playground upgrades. This collaborative approach enabled the project to leverage a wider range of resources and expertise, maximising the impact of the improvements.
Equipment repairs and replacements: Existing playground equipment was carefully inspected and repaired to ensure its safety and functionality. Outdated or unsafe equipment was replaced with modern, durable and age-appropriate play structures.
Safety enhancements and accessibility improvements: Safety surfaces were installed beneath play equipment to cushion falls and prevent injuries. Accessibility was improved by adding ramps, pathways and other features to ensure that children of all abilities could enjoy the play spaces.
Landscaping and beautification: The playgrounds were landscaped with trees, shrubs and flowers to create more inviting and visually appealing environments. Shaded areas were added and seating areas were installed for parents and caregivers.
Acknowledgements
Author: Richard Nkosi
Original article: Improved playgrounds put smiles many faces
Photograph: Richard Nkosi
Get your community involved
Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.
Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.
How to set up a community group
How to start a residents' association
How to set up a community policing forum
How to set up a neighbourhood watch
How to organise community action
How to use media to create pressure for change
Know your rights – how local government works
It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.
Tshwane
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