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South Africa is renowned for its moderate climate, sunny blue skies and great outdoors, and a great number of families turn to city parks to meet their outdoor recreational needs. To compliment their park experience, Simba, as part of its Ready Stead Go initiative, has undertaken a mammoth task to revamp the playgrounds of four of Johannesburg's flagship parks. Thuli Fihla, Marketing Manager at Simba explains, "Our company has invested hundreds of thousands of rands into the Play Parks initiative, essentially revamping these areas to allow Gauteng's residents and children to re-connect at a community level. To arrange the logistics, equipment and coordination, Simba has partnered with Primedia Unlimited subsidiary Wideopen Platform."
Wideopen Platform has custom designed and outsourced the quality, safe, kiddies playgrounds at the targeted sites Zoo Lake, Thokoza Park, Joubert Park and Delta Park, offering safe entertainment in secure spaces.
The first Simba Play Park has already been unveiled and widely used since its opening. Wideopen Platform's Sales Director Ryan Cohen says, "These new Play Parks are a positive asset for residents, parents and children in the Johannesburg area. Thanks to Simba, they have access to world class equipment, which will greatly enhance quality of life."
Luther Williamson, the Managing Director of Johannesburg City Parks (JCP) commended Simba for its visionary approach to corporate social investment and reinforced that the playground equipment complements JCP's approach to providing the best outdoor experience in the city and will ensure that healthy lifestyles are nurtured for all citizens.
There are two types of playgrounds available, one for toddlers under the age of 3 years and the second for children aged 4 - 10 years. The total area of equipment for the toddler zone is 125m2 while the area for the older kids spans 450m2. The jungle gyms have been manufactured internationally from a high grade plastic and secured on cemented mats inlaid with games like hop scotch and snakes and ladders.
Commenting on the importance of play in children's development, Thuli adds that play is an integral part of building social skills from a young age. "It is where lessons of sharing, problem solving, comradeship and team building are learnt. Play is vital for promoting active and healthy lifestyles in children, and Simba is privileged we've been able to assist in a small way," she says.
"Simba is not only funding the development of the Play Parks but is also providing monitoring staff for the respective areas."
For more information on Wideopen Platform, visit www.primedia-unlimited.co.za
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