SECOND CHANCE
PLAYGROUNDS HOW KIDS AROUND THE WORLD GIVES NEW LIFE TO PLAY EQUIPMENT ACROSS THE GLOBE By Bethani Gerhard, Minnesota Recreation and Park Association
Children across the world can enjoy playgrounds, thanks to Kids Around the World, an Illinois-based non-profit that provides play structures to developing countries. Playgrounds that are about to be destroyed can be updated and shipped to areas where children have never had a playground. “These playgrounds are so much more than a playground to these children,” says Paul Bierhaus, Twin Cities Board member
for Kids Around the World. “These playgrounds change communities and offer children a safe place to play. They also provide a central and safe community gathering place for families.”
World has shipped hundreds of used playgrounds to 64 difference countries. The number will continue to climb as more communities learn of this great option for their playground equipment.
Launched in 1994, Kids Around the World initially focused on donating new playground equipment. The organization later decided to recycle playground equipment, rather than sending new equipment. Since 2011, Kids Around the
In 2010, the first playground in Minnesota to be torn-down and shipped by Kids Around the World was Shilo Park in Plymouth. The second playground was at Colby Lake in Woodbury. Both of these playground structures were sent on a truck
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