After Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans on August 29, 2005, much of the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans suffered catastrophic flooding and the vast majority of its residents lost their homes. Since the disaster, not a single playground has been built in the area, and the children of this part of New Orleans did not have a proper place to play until now. The Make it Right Foundation, headed by the actor and activist Brad Pitt, partnering with PlayGreen Initiative dedicated Kellogg Park on Wednesday, December 3, 2008, aided by donations from Kellogg's Corporate Citizenship Fund, KOMPAN, Inc., and BNIM, a leading architectural firm.
Nearly $500,000 worth of equipment, landscaping, and labor/services were donated to the park and playground, including a $300,000 KOMPAN donation in equipment, a $100,000 grant from Kellogg's Corporate Citizenship Fund and services provided by BNIM Architects and John Williams Architects.
BNIM, a national leader in sustainable design and also one of 12 design firms for the Make it Right Project, designed the overall site, and JWA, a New Orleans architectural firm, served as a local collaborator. Both the equipment and the site are designed using sustainable methods and materials that minimize the impact on the environment while providing exceptional play value and a quality community-gathering place. The play space will be constructed in an environmentally sustainable way, using local suppliers, native plantings, and natural means to control water flow, thereby reducing pollution, runoff, and other problems associated with asphalt and more traditional playground design. The playground equipment is constructed using sustainable methods including the use of non-toxic, recyclable and environmentally friendly materials. Solar energy will also be used to power the electronic components on the new equipment.
"This project plants one more seed of hope and renewal in New Orleans," said Tim Knowlton, Kellogg Company vice president of corporate social responsibility. "On behalf of Kellogg people everywhere, this playground is dedicated to the children in the Lower Ninth Ward."
The Lower Ninth Ward is now the home to the most technologically advanced, solar powered, playground in the country and the first of its kind in North America. The playground equipment was donated by KOMPAN, Inc. ICON is a state of the art outdoor gaming platform that can be integrated into KOMPAN's climbing, exercise and playground equipment. A number of different ICON games energize play on the equipment and stimulate motion, strategic thinking and physical activity. Children can keep score and play alone, in pairs or in teams as they climb, jump, run and swing their way through the equipment.
"This park represents both the future of outdoor play with ICON interactive gaming and the future of the community of the Lower Ninth Ward," Tom Grover, President of KOMPAN, Inc. stated. "Play builds community, kids and much more. Everyone at KOMPAN is proud to be a part of this important rebuilding project."
Learn More This Initative:
PlayGreen, LLC and The PlayGreen Initiative are founded on a simple principle: With everything a child encounters, a child learns. Teaming with corporate and municipal partners, The PlayGreen Initiative brings childhood development opportunities to challenged communities in the United States and abroad, giving children a chance to not only engage in healthy, active play, but also learn the values associated with environmental sustainability. For more information, please visit www.playgreeninitiative.com
Make It Right's mission is built upon catalyzing redevelopment of the Lower 9th Ward by building a neighborhood of safe and healthy homes that incorporates modern, high-quality design and construction while preserving the spirit of the community's culture. Visit www.makeitrightnola.org for more information.
Source: PlayGreen Initiative
Photo credits: Charlie Varley
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