Playgrounds from Recycled Tires- Andrea H.

I am certain everyone has seen the “tyre tunnel” somewhere in Jamaica jutting out of the ground of a basic school, but has anyone made one? First it is important to note the type of tire. Car tires are smaller and require a lot less digging, truck tires however are bigger, have steel inside that may jut out, but are a little more fun. During our time in the Longville Park Housing Scheme near Freetown, Clarendon; Adam Needleman and I have created two tunnels. One was a 4 truck tire tunnel for the beginning of a community playground, and the other was a 6 car tire tunnel at a basic school. The only tools necessary are a pick-ax and a shovel (a good scooping rock can substitute for the shovel). Our first truck tire tunnel took a lot of work, primarily because we had to pull the water-filled monsters from out of macka and then push them about a quarter mile uphill. Although, once at the designated location, we alternated using the pick-ax and digging until all of the tires were in the ground. At this point we then filled the tires with the rocks we dug up and the rest of the way with dirt. They were quite a hit with the kids, and have stayed in the ground well. Not only have these tires served as a kids tunnel, but they also provide seating for the teens to chat with one another or on the phone.