This article was published in collaboration with EkStep Foundation.

When looking at creating safe and sustainable playgrounds for underprivileged children, Pooja Rai’s journey began with a simple observation at the Disha Seema Care Centre. Amidst unsafe playing conditions, her initiative led to the establishment of innovative playgrounds that catered to the needs of the community.

Table of Content

• A ‘DIY’ playground
• Why play-based learning matters
• Accessibility for all

A ‘DIY’ playground

Within constraints of budget and resources, Pooja and her team embarked on a journey to create low-cost and sustainable playgrounds by upcycling tires and other waste materials. Their grassroots approach attracted attention and initiated a nationwide quest for similar creative structures.

Establishing Anthill Creations as a non-profit organization in 2017 marked a significant milestone, expanding their reach to construct over 380 playgrounds, redefining play spaces for children across various states.

Why play-based learning matters

Recognized by educationists and policymakers, play-based learning serves as the foundation for a child’s cognitive and behavioral development. Recent educational frameworks emphasize the pivotal role of play in holistic learning experiences, advocating for inclusive playgrounds in all schools.

Accessibility for all

Enabling access to playgrounds for all children remains a core mission for Anthill Creations. By spearheading community-driven initiatives, the organization not only bridges the gap in play spaces but also fosters a culture of shared resources, benefitting multiple communities beyond individual schools.

SEO Focus Keyword: Sustainable Playgrounds in India

Transforming Rural Meghalaya: Creating Inclusive Playgrounds for Children by Anthill Creations

In a heartwarming initiative, Anthill Creations has been instrumental in bringing playgrounds to various parts of India, from bustling cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai to the remote corners of states like Meghalaya and Tripura. One such inspiring project was the construction of playgrounds for four government schools in rural Meghalaya.

Table of Contents

• Site Selection Process
• Transforming School Environment
• Innovative Playground Designs
• Creating Inclusive Playgrounds

Site Selection Process

Abhishek Gowda, the sub-divisional officer of Dadenggre in West Garo Hills district, Meghalaya, collaborated with Anthill Creations for the selection of sites for playground construction. Under the project ‘Bring Back Play by Making it Accessible to All,’ Anthill Creations identified four schools in the area where they built playgrounds using recycled materials like old rubber tires.

Transforming School Environment

Post-construction, Anthill Creations conducted thorough quality checks to ensure the safety of the playgrounds. These vibrant play spaces not only brought joy to the children but also positively impacted school environments, leading to increased enrolment numbers and reduced dropouts.

Funded by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)’s CSR initiative, the project showcased the value of play-based learning in early childhood development.

Innovative Playground Designs

Anthill Creations took a unique approach to playground design by involving children in the process. Avoiding conventional elements like jungle gyms, they sought input from kids themselves. Play elements such as elephants, horses, and even rockets were inspired by the creative ideas of young minds.

Constant feedback loops and community engagement led to the creation of diverse designs that catered to various interests and preferences.

Creating Inclusive Playgrounds

In their ongoing efforts to make playgrounds inclusive, Anthill Creations worked on projects tailored for children with disabilities. By collaborating with organizations like the Sankalp Learning Centre in Chennai, they constructed playgrounds with sensory elements to aid children with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Elements like xylophones, parallel play bars, and sensory-rich structures were incorporated to ensure an inclusive play experience for all children. While acknowledging the need for further improvements, Anthill Creations remains committed to making playgrounds welcoming and accessible to every child.

Through their innovative designs and community-centric approach, Anthill Creations continues to make a meaningful impact in the realm of play-based learning and inclusive recreational spaces.

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SEO Focus Keyword: Inclusive Playgrounds in India

Building ‘community champions’

Anthill, now referred to as msmestory, emphasizes the importance of involving the community early in the playground building process, starting from site selection to design. This active participation ensures that the community takes ownership of the playgrounds once they are built and handed over. To garner community buy-in, msmestory collaborates with local organizations or NGOs that already have established relationships within the communities. By explaining the structure that will be implemented and utilizing locally procured materials and labor, they maintain cost efficiency.

Adopting a sustainable approach, msmestory designs playground elements using simple and recyclable materials such as tires and metal drums. The procurement process involves utilizing vendors from different cities and transporting the necessary components to various locations across 22 states. Upon completion, msmestory does not retain ownership of the playgrounds but instead entrusts them to the local community, fostering a sense of responsibility and care among the residents.

‘Our playgrounds are like IKEA blocks’

msmestory’s commitment to community engagement extends beyond the construction phase. Periodic checks are conducted on older playgrounds to ensure their maintenance and functionality, with a focus on easy repair and relocation owing to the modular design. Their innovative initiatives, such as the Play Library and Playground on Wheels, aim to enhance inclusivity and adaptability to diverse environments. The Playground on Wheels concept, in particular, has garnered attention for its mobile and interactive nature, providing children with a unique play experience.

By fostering creativity and promoting play in unconventional spaces, msmestory continues to redefine the concept of playgrounds, making them not just recreational areas but also platforms for community interaction and development.

Do you know of any innovative playground initiatives in your city? Share your insights and images with us at editorial@msmestory.com with the subject line “Playground Innovations”.

(Edited by Divya Sethu; Images courtesy of msmestory)