Playgrounds in Bloom for Children of New Orleans

Feb, 13, 2007 — -- At Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in New Orleans, 45 students gathered in the cafeteria late last year to design their very own "dream playground" on blank pieces of paper.

What started out as a few outlandish scribbles has turned into a beacon of hope for a city ravaged by natural disaster and crime.

The children's designs were the first step in the New Orleans "Playground Building Blitz" -- a 24-hour construction project of six new playgrounds at area elementary schools -- that is under way right now.

By the end of the day, six schools will have brand-new state-of-the-art playgrounds equipped with slides, swings, rock-climbing walls, and special equipment specifically designed by the students, like rocket-shaped climbing equipment and a replica of the New Orleans' Superdome.

The blitz is being sponsored by KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit group focused on providing recreational spaces, and Fannie Mae.

KaBOOM! pledged to build 100 new playgrounds in Gulf Coast communities affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita as part of its program, Operation Playground.

KaBOOM! has already completed 19 playgrounds -- all designed by children, planned by local residents, and constructed in one day by volunteers.

This "Playground Building Blitz" will be the first time volunteers attempt six playgrounds in one day -- a boost that is much needed in New Orleans' still storm-damaged communities.

After Hurricane Katrina, children in New Orleans have lacked safe public recreational places, at a time perhaps, when they need them the most.

Many playgrounds were washed away or severely damaged by Katrina. Many trailer parks erected by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency still sit in public parks where children used to play. And a recent crime wave has deterred many parents from letting their kids outside to play.

Chrissie McHenry, Fannie Mae's communications director, thinks that creating these spaces for kids to play is a crucial step in bringing the community back from disaster and restoring New Orleans' spirit.