Supported projects

Unhošť - “Playground Full of Life” by the Unhošť Chapter of the Czech Red Cross

Their first step was to approach the town hall, where they received a well-worn reply: there was no money available. The mayor did, however, have an idea: they should apply for a grant from the Via Foundation!

Before submitting an application, the mothers conducted a survey among townspeople to determine the best location for the playground. The inhabitants of Unhošť chose a site in Koželužka Park in the historical center of town. At that time, the park was uncared for and run down, with a stagnant fish pond, broken benches and a derelict skeleton of what had once been climbing bars for children. The mothers decided they would create not only a playground for children, but also a place where other town inhabitants could relax and enjoy the park. Their project – A Playground Full of Life – was one of several dozen proposals received by the Via Foundation and one of the five that was accepted into the Helping People to Improve their Communities program.

Armed with a CZK 200,000 starter grant and knowledge from Via’s program seminars and consultations, they were ready to go. The three project leaders began working under the auspices of the local Red Cross to engage local support through fundraising and inviting local people, town officials and architects to participate. They held a contest for kids to design the best logo and playground layout. At the first town hall meeting, inhabitants of Unhošť decided what elements the playground should include – a wooden castle, swings, slide, etc. – which the architects then incorporated into the designs that were introduced at the next meeting. After months of preparation, the construction finally began in April 2004.

Local firms helped with the landscaping and installation of lighting, provided materials such as cement and sand, and assisted in preparations for volunteer work weekends. Over the first weekend, about 25 adults and 20 children came to work. They dug out old roots, set concrete columns for a fence and painted. The second work weekend in July was attended by 70 adults and around 50 children, who put to good use over 2,000 fence planks, 50 meters of fencing and 50 kilograms of paint.

Finally, sand from the Czech Paradise region was laid down, other areas were planted with grass, and a slide, wooden castle, climbing bars, swings and a water fountain were installed. The project took 14 months to complete, cost CZK 1.2 million that was raised by the project leaders through grants, sponsors and donated materials. Perhaps most importantly, the playground was completed thanks to the innumerable hours of volunteer work by the townspeople.

The Playground Full of Life has lived up to its name – it has built solidarity, new friendships, united families, and provided local children with a much-needed place to play. What happened in Unhošť can be an example for others; as Mrs. Jurková said: “We have already been contacted by people from other towns who are interested in replicating our project in other places.”

Project was support by "Helping People to Improve Their Communities” – Česká spořitelna Foundation Fund".

Photo Gallery

zoom << previous next >>