The most technologically advanced, eco-friendly, solar powered playground, the first of its kind in North America, is being dedicated in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward today.[social_buttons]

The Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans suffered catastrophic flooding after Hurricane Katrina pummeled New Orleans on August 29, 2005, and many of the residents lost their homes.

They also lost something else.

Playgrounds.

No playgrounds have been built in the area since then, and the children of this part of New Orleans did not have a proper place to play. Until now.

“This project plants one more seed of hope and renewal in New Orleans. On behalf of Kellogg people everywhere, this playground is dedicated to the children in the Lower Ninth Ward.” – Tim Knowlton, Kellogg VP of corporate social responsibility

Thanks to the Make it Right Foundation, PlayGreen Initiative, Kellogg’s Corporate Citizenship Fund, KOPMAN, and BNIM Architecture, along with local architecture firm JWA, nearly $500,000 worth of goods and services were donated.

The playground was built sustainably by using local suppliers and native plantings, and by implementing natural means to control water flow, helping to reduce pollution and runoff. The equipment was also constructed using sustainable methods, including the use of non-toxic, recyclable and environmentally friendly materials, and solar energy will power the electronic components of the new equipment.

Make It Right Foundation, headed by Brad Pitt, is helping to rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward. For more info on their mission, and how you can help, go to Make It Right New Orleans.

The PlayGreen Initiative‘s vision: “Bring childhood development opportunities to communities worldwide, giving children a chance to not only engage in healthy, active play, but also learn the values associated with a healthy environment.”

The donation of $300,000 worth of playground equipment came from KOMPAN, a leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of sustainable commercial playgrounds.

A $100,000 grant came from Kellogg’s Corporate Citizenship Fund, which has contributed more than $40 million in cash and $120 million in products to charitable organizations around the world over the last five years.

This park will be an integral part of recovery for the Lower Ninth Ward, because healthy active kids with a place to play is an important piece of community.

A big thank you to the sponsors of this park!