Workers at the Raw Materials Recovery Company (ERMP) in Guantánamo have found a solution to the disappearance of playgrounds in Cuba due to the current economic crisis: building play equipment modules from recycled old tires.
These workers transform completely unusable tires into tractors, engines, and labyrinthine tunnels, among other implements, boasted the state-run Canal Caribe in a video posted on Facebook.
With those tools, they create modules that are then used to build beautiful and welcoming playgrounds.
The state-run television network pointed out that, in addition to giving new life to old tires and turning them into toys, there is another benefit to using recycled tires: it does not harm the environment.
“The decomposition of tires would take an entire century, and once buried, they prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes,” noted Canal Caribe, suggesting that the innovation is also highly environmentally friendly.
Each module includes between eight and twelve components that "enrich children's imagination," as those who "enjoy them become drivers or soar into the sky, or get tangled as they exit a labyrinth tunnel," the television report stated.
A source from the ERMP reported that they are currently working on the production of seven playground modules, with the first one already completed and set to be installed in the community of Los Llanos, in the municipality of Maisí, Guantánamo.
"We are working on three more modules to set up in that same municipality," he indicated.
It was also noted that before the end of May, another park will be set up at the Provincial Party School Motel.
While the workers at the ERMP in Guantánamo continue to manufacture toy modules using recycled rubber for new playgrounds, the older parks remain neglected and abandoned due to scarcity and the economic crisis.
Recent images of the iconic Lenin Park in Havana reflect governmental neglect and the lack of recreational options for children in Cuba.
In a video released by Cubanet, the park attractions can be seen stopped, rusted, and surrounded by overgrown weeds, resembling a scene from a horror movie.
The recent appearance of strange coffins in a playground in Havana has stirred up a commotion on social media, where Cubans have been wondering if it was some kind of horrific prank and have been asking for explanations.
Internet user Beatriz Alonso expressed on Facebook that she felt troubled by the new features at the recreation facility and urged the government of Marianao to explain "what these semi-buried coffins in the Children's Park at 100 and 35 mean."
He also stated that all the cartoons painted on the walls in that place have been erased, including Elpidio Valdés and other very Cuban characters.
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