Ravensmead educare receives a boost of playground equipment

Sunset Educare in Ravensmead received gifts of playground custom furniture made with recycled tennis balls.

Amazeballs non-profit organisation, together with Grow ECD, a social enterprise supporting women-owned early childhood development centres, handed over the first upcycled playground equipment at the educare on Wednesday, August 27.

The three playground installations feature safe and sustainable play structures where children can climb, slide, and balance.

Amazeballs is a non-profit organisation dedicated to sustainability through the innovative repurposing of used padel and tennis balls. The organisation transforms these everyday sports items into eco-friendly products, such as bespoke furniture, playgrounds, and art pieces, that contribute to a circular economy.

It handed over the equipment as part of its Play with Purpose movement.

Lesley Waterkeyn, the founder of Amazeballs, said: “By transforming discarded padel balls into safe and stimulating playground furniture, Amazeballs is not only recycling waste but also creating joyful spaces where children can build essential motor skills and experience the happiness every child deserves.”

The director of Sunset Educare Centre, Pamela Peterson, said they cater to more than 120 children in Ravensmead, and many of them have never had access to proper play equipment. 

“My centre has always focused on offering quality education, and this equipment will help us make learning through play fun and accessible. We are truly grateful for this partnership and for the generosity that made it possible,” she said.

The installation at Sunset Educare was made possible thanks to the R21,000 raised during the Mandela Day fundraising tournament of Amazeballs and Racket & Ball in July.