Dansoman Children’s park
I was thrown into a state of shock on May 1, 2023 when I visited the Dansoman Children’s Park with my children for a family picnic to commemorate this year’s Labour Day.
My expectations were, as usual, to see family and friends all over the place engaging in sporting and entertaining activities. However, to my dismay, the popular Dansoman children’s park was in a bad state and the only one available on site was security man burning rubbish on the park.
My kids’ disappointing gestures prompted me to find out what happened to the famous Dansoman children’s park.
According to the security man who appears to be the caretaker of the facility, the playing facilities are mostly locked and open for commercial use.
“We most of the time lock up the children’s park because they destroy things,” the security man said, adding that “We are also open for outdoor events and other ceremonial activities.”
The equipment were in a deplorable state, rusty, and messy except for the basketball court. This was in a better state than the others.
The only option I had was to return my children home.
Out of curiosity, I visited the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park. However, the story was no different except that Dansoman Park was in better condition.
The importance of children’s parks to kids’ development is often underestimated in the country. It is very important that children have a safe place where they can be themselves, meet new friends, and enjoy a fun nature activity that contributes to their physical and psychological well-being in the long run.
The deplorable state of our children’s play park needs government attention and funding support from relevant stakeholders in the country, to upgrade the recreational centres.
Dansoman Children’s Park and Efua Sutherland Children’s Park offer valuable resources for Ghanaian children. By improving maintenance and expanding educational efforts, the government can ensure that these parks are even more widely utilised and enjoyed.
Jackeline Johnson
benchiwaajohnsonjacklyn@gmail.com