This summer a playground was built at my building by the television series GIVER which will air in April 2012 on TVO Kids. The production company chose 9 kids between the ages of 6 and 14 to participate and appear in the television series. With the support of many volunteers, the kids helped build the park. Using donated materials such as sofTILE playground surfacing, provided in part through funding from Ontario Tire Stewardship, the playground was completed in just three days.

It has been four months since the playground was built and it has been a great attraction for the children and adults of the neighbourhood.  More people come to the playground area at the back of 1900 Main St. West (in Hamilton) than I have ever seen before. The playground attracts many different cultures, which all enjoy the playground in different ways. The kids make up games to play and all participate.

The sofTILE makes it nice so that they can take their shoes off to be more comfortable for running, and if they fall they don’t get hurt as it is a soft landing.  The kids also thought it was so cool when they learned that there are 2 recycled tires in every sofTILE and that the recycled tires all come from here in Ontario.

The residents are enjoying the outdoors more. Adults are able to visit with other adults and friends, while their kids play, and have picnics and BBQ’s.  I have started a craft group for the kids to participate in, weather permitting. I love to hear the laughter coming from the kids.  The residents have a greater pride for their building and always try to keep it clean and try to teach the kids to clean up after themselves – which can sometimes be a challenge. We are more inspired to improve the area and the building and have been talking about a committee made up of residents from both adjacent buildings to plan activities and outings in which everyone can participate.

I was reading one of the other GreenMyTires.ca blogs challenging people to consider what makes a liveable community and this playground revitalisation has certainly made our area of Hamilton more liveable. I would like to thank Ontario Tire Stewardship and sofSURFACES Inc. for donating the playground surfacing and making our little community a better, happier place to live.

Anne Chrysler, Guest Blogger

1884 Main St West, Hamilton