October 10 – November 15, 2008: To help increase awareness of disability issues and provide a safe environment for local children with and without disabilities to play, Greg Mahood (Occupational Therapist, Canada) and Lorna Anderson (Recreational Therapist, Canada) designed a “Playground for All” that was built at Oswaldo Guyasamin Elementary School, using approximately 80% recycled materials. The equipment includes a giant tortoise climbing structure made of 118 tires, a tether-ball, see-saw, miniature (stationary) automobile, obstacle course, and a tire swing. Special attention was given to offering equipment that would be accessible to children with physical disabilities, such as see-saws with wide seats and hip supports.
Work was completed with the generous donations of the Municipality of Santa Cruz and parents of students. Construction was organized by Galapagos ICE, but much of the work was performed by teachers and parents on two coordinated build days. The completed playground now provides a much-needed environment for children to expend their physical energies and can be used by teachers to help disabled students develop essential physical skills (strength, balance, co-ordination). Galapagos ICE plans to promote the playground as a model for others throughout the Islands.
