New park equipment aims to keep kids active
The traditional playground and swings in the Chris Smith Park have recently been replaced with new equipment that resembles gym equipment.
This concept to build what appears to be an outdoor exercise area is an initiative by the Ekurhuleni metro, to not only better the appearance of the park but also, to encourage a culture of exercise among the children in the area.
“Very close to the park is low-income caravan community that is desperately in need of safe recreational options for their children,” says Lilanie Booysen from the metro.
“The equipment is meant to enhance the lives of the residents in the area as the children can play outdoors and at the same time get some exercise.”
According to a report by the Medical Research Council of South Africa, the problem of childhood obesity in South Africa is reaching epidemic proportions, with one in five children either being overweight or obese, and 20 per cent of children under the age of six being overweight.
Booysen says in areas such as this one, childhood obesity may be contributed to children not having a safe outdoor environment where they can play.
“Often in areas like this one, many residents can not afford gym memberships, therefore, we hope that the improvements in the park and the new playground may be aid to their situation,” she says.
Megan Viljoen, a learner from Laerskool Concordia, says she and her friends are pleased with the new equipment.
“It is fun playing on the new equipment in the park, and even when I am home I ask my grandma to bring me here,” she says.
