Parks and playgrounds are important components of a city. But it has not been ensured in all communities of Dhaka. Besides, people cannot fully use available parks and playgrounds for many reasons. When a playground fulfills everyone’s demand only then it is properly used by community people. Community people of Rayerbazar 34 no ward has designed theyr own Boishakhi Playground by using Minecraft game. HealthBridge Canada, Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust, Block by Block and UNHabitat jointly organized a workshop to create design to make Boishakhi Playground Child friendly. Community engagement is very important for playground improvement. Community people know about their needs and maintenance process of the playground. Discussants of the closing ceremony of 3 days long workshop said as above in the event on 13^th April 2018 at Koiborto Conference room of WBB Trust.

Participants of the workshop were divided into six groups and formulated six different designs. Each group presented their designs on last day. The groups identified 3 most important components from their designs. After ranking of the components public toilet, separate kids’ zone and wide walkway were selected as most important ones. Besides introducing transparent wall, surveillance camera, lighting and appointing security guard were other important components. Three best designs were awarded in the event. 

General Secretary of Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) Adil Muhammad Khan said that, mistakes in urban planning have snatched recreation opportunity from children. Inclusive design is important because it reflects need of everyone including kids, women and person with disability. As the design has been formulated by the community people it will be difficult to grab Boishakhi playground.

Founder of Vitti Sthapati Brindo and Joint General Secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Iqbal Habib said that, we are trying to create open space for all. WBB Trust is working for long to create inclusive and child friendly playground. Their joint effort with UNHabitat has resulted to some amazing designs through Minecraft game. We hope the kids will develop a good urban management system in future.

Chairman of Managing Committee of Rayerbazar High School Hasanul Hamid Khan Rubel said that, we will cooperate fully to implement the design to improve Boishakhi playground. It will be helpful to ensure a good environment for the children. Community engagement is necessary to improve all open spaces.  

Director of WBB Trust Gaous Pearee said that, the children have designed their dream playground in this workshop. They have identified components for all including person with disability. Community people should take responsibility of the maintenance of the playground.