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Funding: CatalyticAction
Collaborators: Bulaban Circus, Karl Wehbe
The Ibtasem Playground was first built a decade ago as the very first community space co-designed and constructed through this approach, marking the beginning of a long-term commitment to participatory, community-led spaces. Returning to the site in 2025 was a deliberate decision to reinvest in a place of shared memory and significance.
The intervention was not about replacing what existed, but about rehabilitating and sustaining a space that had already proven its value, reaffirming the belief that meaningful public spaces require ongoing care, adaptation, and community ownership to remain active and relevant over time.
The rehabilitation was informed by participatory activities with children and the school community, ensuring the renewed playground responded to their needs, memories, and aspirations. Alongside this process, we preserved the original wooden structure, installed new roofing panels, and equipped the play area with a safe rubber floor.
New play elements were added, including monkey bars, pull-up bars, speaking pipes, and a shaded seating area with mirrors and an XO game. The façade of the basketball area was also redesigned, not only to protect the interior from stray balls but also to add play value and visual interest. In parallel, artist Karl Wehbe painted a beautiful drawing directly onto the structure, enriching the space with a playful artistic layer that strengthened its identity and made the playground more engaging and inviting for children.
“I loved the new play elements and their colours—thank you for the amazing work. I especially enjoyed the monkey bars; they were fun and made me feel active.”
To celebrate its inauguration, the space was officially launched through an entertainment show by Bulaban, creating a joyful and memorable moment for the community. Children who had played in the playground earlier were invited back to rediscover the space and share their reflections. Their stories highlighted how the playground had shaped their memories and sense of belonging, demonstrating the lasting impact of safe, community-driven spaces.
“We had such great memories here; we would always look forward to recess so we could go out and play in the playground.”
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