Rotary recycling play equipment giving new hope and joy to children overseas

THE Rotary Club of Philip Island and San Remo assisted the Rotary Clubs of the Monington Peninsula in an inspiring initiative, the Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds project (RORP).

This Rotary project is revolutionizing the fate of surplus playground equipment in Victoria. By collaborating with councils and private industries, Rotary ensures that disused playground equipment is tagged, meticulously decommissioned, audited, and sent to partner Rotary clubs overseas. These clubs then assess and install the equipment in communities lacking safe play areas.

Several factors contribute to the surplus of playground equipment in Australia. Changing community demographics may render existing equipment unsuitable for the local child population, making it too challenging for younger children or too simple for older ones. Additionally, many councils follow fixed-time equipment refreshment policies to ensure safety, often because inspecting metal corrosion without removing the equipment is difficult.

Rather than dismantling and discarding these playgrounds, the Rotary RORP project ensures that the equipment finds a new life and purpose in communities that desperately need safe play spaces. This initiative not only provides children with crucial play opportunities but also supports environmental sustainability by preventing functional playgrounds from ending up in landfills.

The involvement of the Rotary Club of Philip Island and San Remo, alongside the Rotary Clubs of the Mornington Peninsula, exemplifies the collaborative spirit and dedication to making a positive impact. Through their efforts, playgrounds that once served Australian communities will now bring joy and development to children overseas, creating lasting benefits across multiple countries.

The play equipment from twelve playgrounds will be relocated and reassembled in communities across Cape Town, South Africa. Will Watson, from the Rotary Club of Tygerberg (South Africa), expressed his gratitude by thanking everyone for their hard work.

“We are looking forward to receiving the container with great anticipation. Play is such an important part of a child’s development, and the communities in which they are placed benefit greatly from using these playgrounds. We have a great demand for these playgrounds and appreciate the work you are doing."

The RORP project is a testament to the social, educational, environmental, and financial benefits that can be achieved through collective action. By giving old playgrounds a new purpose, this initiative fosters joy and opportunity for children while promoting sustainable practices.