Fundraising Efforts: Presenting the playground idea to Dr. Dipak Sharma ji

The decision to design and construct a public play-space at the edge of the village talaab in Dhamori was made in response to feedback from participatory exercises with villagers. The enthusiasm of villagers was such that people offered to volunteer labor to help construct it, to paint tires, and to place equipment. Because the intention was clear – to co-construct a public play space – and the design ideas were simple and concrete, the design team was able to show images of play space ideas, such as tire swings and a wall mural, to local donors and receive funding for purchasing supplies and equipment. Donors in the area who could provide the tires needed were identified and approached to support the project. Donations of funds and materials were sought from different stakeholders simultaneously as design concepts were being generated. The Critical Places Team is grateful to the Landscape Architecture Foundation for supporting the team's expenses for this project.

The design and elements of the public space were generated based on design and program input from the villagers received during the participatory drawing workshop. The villagers were involved in not only the construction process but also engaged in the decision-making process, such as choosing the site for the public space, location of different design elements, and investigating how the different elements of the play-space could be constructed. These workshops brought people together from all age groups and diverse socio-economic backgrounds, leading to unprecedented levels of public/community engagement in this region. The contribution of youth, led by Sarpanch Abhay Vanjari was particularly notable and important to this effort.

Community Involvement: Village youth preparing the base line-work for the community art mural in the Dhamori play-space.

As the various elements of the public play-space were installed or constructed in Dhamori, the swings, the play equipment, a tire walkway, etc., each was quickly overtaken with throngs of children and adults excited to try out the new playground. This construction project could not have been successful without the villagers’ participation. The process of envisioning programs for the public play-space involved men, women and children as did the construction. Most importantly, this public contribution from women allowed them equal access to this public space which is not typical. In rural communities in India, women do not frequent public spaces. Thus, the co-designing and co-construction by both men and women, was a key enabling activity where the social-consciousness was altered in a way that allowed for more visibility and presence of women in the public realm. It led to the development of a prized public space at the edge of existing landscape infrastructure of the pond, which is appreciated and used by men, women and children alike.

A Space for All: Villagers of all ages and genders enjoy the new play space

Community Testimonies: Dhamori residents, of differing ages and genders, discuss their excitement for the new play space.