US opens first Children's Park in Trincomalee

TRINCOMALEE: The people of the United States have given Trincomalee children a safe new place to play and help put the tsunami trauma behind them with today's opening of a new children's play park.

The Children's Park at Kulakkotan is the third of 85 play parks planned for 12 tsunami-affected districts under a partnership developed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). It is the first park completed in the East.

"The ability to play has a significant positive impact on a children's recovery from a traumatic event like the tsunami," said USAID Director Dr. Carol Becker at the opening.

"Our hope is that parks like this will help bring families together so the memory of the tsunami can fade to be replaced by happy, positive thoughts."

The $2 million project is funded by USAID, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and the Bush-Clinton Tsunami Relief Fund. It is being implemented by Sarvodaya.

"These children's parks are a great example of a public-private partnership to improve the daily lives of the many Sri Lankan children affected by the tsunami," Dr. Becker said.

Trincomalee Urban Council Special Commissioner S. Arumainayaham and V. Jeevaraj, Sarvodaya district coordinator for Trincomalee also spoke. The real VVIPs were hundreds of local children who raced for the equipment as soon as the ribbon was cut.

The Kulakkotan Park is classified as a "large" park by project standards. Upkeep of the grounds and maintenance of the equipment will be the responsibility of the Trincomalee Urban Council, with technical assistance provided by Sarvodaya.

Since the tsunami, Sarvodaya has worked closely with the Ministry of Local Government, local municipalities and members of tsunami-affected communities to identify potential sites along the affected coastline for the parks and secure commitments from local governments to oversee the facilities.

Equipment for the play parks are imported, and complies with international standards for safety and durability. The parks are designed to be family-friendly, and encourage multi-ethnic participation and community access, including access for the disabled.

The next park, in Kalutara is scheduled to open next week.