Playground township Otjiwarongo Namibia Petra Hekkenberg and Linda Brunott designed and made a playground and survival park in Namibia. This was on a voluntary basis in service of the non governmental organisation Penduka, where Petra did her internship in 2010. There was a timeframe of two months for the two projects. Keywords were local people, local materials, recycle, learn+educate and of course PLAY!
This slideshow shows the playground that was build in the township of Otjiwarongo, a village three hours north of Windhoek. The survival park is presented in the next project.
Playground devided over five gardens Because the municipality could not provide a suitable plot for the playground, the decision was made to place the playsets in five gardens. The gardens belong to Namibian women that make embroideries for Penduka and they are all located in the same block in the township. The families agreed to open their garden for the public during the day and will monitor the usage. A safe and durable situation compared to the playgrounds in the public space, which all are in very bad shape.
Together with the community We designed and build the playground together with the cummunity. To create ownership and provide the local people work. The welding was done by a young welder and we hired seeral local men to place the play sets. The women that work for Penduka helped on voluntairy basis and did all the painting.
Collecting and connecting Many parts for the playground were found on the local scrapyard and dump for car tires. The municipality provided us with a workspace plus transport, and a local company owned by Peter Arndt gave technical support. A community effort.
Car from phone boot An old phone boot from the scrapyard was used to make a car. A combination of concrete and old car parts. donated by a garage. The umbrella provides shade and can be removed for safety and flexibility.
Kudu ride and puzzle This playset was made from a metal rack and a broken lawn mower. The car tires can rotate which makes it an interesting ride. The cheetah painting on the tires makes it a puzzle as well.
Kudu ride Hold on!
Brainstorm session with a group of women that work for Penduka. The start of the project, how do they imagine the playground?
Wobbling seats Made from half a car tire and wood. The women painted they embroidery drawings on top. The seats are an accessoiry for the playgrounds. Two were made for the Kindergarden of Peter Arndt, who supported the project with his knowledge and tools.
Wobbling seat At the houe where a group of embroidery women work every week. With this type of work the women can take their child with them, which is a big help for many families.
Paint crew Women painting the playsets.
Sand pit Made from a big truck tire and an umbrella for shade.
Painting the hopscotch The hopscotch is painted on a sheltered concrete floor that is used for occasional meetings. The numbers are illustrated by embroidery drawings.
Hopscotch Not all the children were familiar with the game, they teach eachother.
Tough soil The soil in Otjiwarongo mainly contains rocks. Hard to dig holes, but strong for construction. The playsets are anchored in concrete.
Tower of tires On top of the world. This tower provides good excercise and great views. Climbing is one of their favorite activites.
Playground signs Every playground has a sign at the entrance that can be used for messages as well. The signs are made from old STOP road signs that the municipality donated.
Totem puzzle This totem pole is made from left over materials.
Music Metal pipes on a wooden pole make a good music instrument.
Three abacusses Made from an old metal ladder and caps from pop bottles that the women and children collected and cleaned.
Play house A small roof construction transformed into a play house that provides shelter. With a puzzle, curtain and an abacus.
National and local press On the official opening of the playgrounds the National and local press came to film and report the project. A big happening for the township, they matter.