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Chicago Daily Herald
About every 15 years, the Geneva Park District replaces playground equipment to ensure the safety of park patrons and compliance with playground regulations. "Safety is our first priority, and every location is evaluated on an annual basis.
This affords us the opportunity to assess and move the replacement dates in accordance with the condition and wear of the equipment," said Larry Gabriel, superintendent of parks and properties. According to Gabriel, partnering with Kids Around the World Inc., an organization that recycles and reuses playground equipment in other parts of the world, was a perfect partnership.
Typically, these playgrounds are removed and scrapped for very little value. Recycling the equipment with Kids Around the World Inc. is an environmentally responsible way to provide recreation and add value to underprivileged communities.
Since 2013, more than 15 playgrounds from Geneva Park District parks have been relocated to countries around the world and have been refurbished to the needs and requirements of that area. These playgrounds are an incredible benefit to the communities and villages. Several of these areas are in dire need of playtime and recreation, and with these donations it helps to make that possible.
"We are excited to provide children who are without a playground or even a park in their community the opportunity to play," said Sheavoun Lambillotte, executive director of the Geneva Park District. "Most recently, the playground from Linden Park was relocated to a community in Fiji and the playground from Stanley Esping was relocated to Mexico," said Gabriel.
Upcoming playground replacements include Frank Burgess Park and Elm Street Park. These will be completed by early summer 2018. To learn more about Kids Around the World Inc., visit www.kidsaroundtheworld.com.
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