THINK PLAYGROUNDS’ JULY NEWSLETTER 2025

NEW ECOLOGICAL – COMMUNITY SPACES AT PHUC TAN FOREST PARK

A new public ping-pong table and a traveling rings playground have been installed on the high and expanded land at Phuc Tan Forest Park , thereby developing an accessible and engaging fitness culture of beloved sports both old (table tennis) and new (traveling rings) for the community. 

Additionally, a part of the 7 ½ – sponsored community art project “Song of the Wind,” which aims to ecologically restore neglected lands, was carried out with the Phuc Tan Women’s Association, propagating native plants on site to prevent erosion and restore soil stability and fertility in the area.

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A PUPPY-THEMED PLAYGROUND FOR DAO CHILDREN

Think Playgrounds, in partnership with Tohe Social Enterprise, the local community and sponsored by ChangeX, has designed and is currently installing a playground for the disadvantaged Dao children in Thai Hoc elementary school located in the remote area of Cao Bang. The puppy-themed play equipment provides a multi-play system with built-in observatory, mountain climbing, shelter, sliding ladder, and slide. 

Set to be installed in early August, the puppy-themed play equipment, shaped as the human’s best friend, is an adorable, friendly and safe companion for the Dao students when they enter their school playground.

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INCLUSIVE AND RECYCLED PLAYGROUND FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

The playground at Thien An center for children with disabilities has been built through recycling and renovating methods with the joint contribution of ChangeX, UNICEF Viet Nam’s staff, and individuals who contributed to the INSIEME, Hanoi Grapevine, volunteers from the local community, volunteers from Hanoi Camerata and parents and children from the Bio Family group. 

The design and construction of Thien An playground is a creative effort to provide good support, ensure safety and diverse functions for children of diverse abilities while integrating old play systems, materials and recycling methods to reduce waste and protect the environment.

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TRAINING ON DISASTER PREVENTION AND RESPONSE IN KHAU PHA

The training and information sharing program on flood and landslide prevention with the Thai and Hmong communities in Khau Pha, Yen Bai was carried out to with the support of social enterprise Khau Pha Friends, guidance from ecological expert Nguyen Hoang Hao, Think playgrounds, the participation of representatives of the Ít Thái and Lìm Mông communities, and sponsored by Ford Motor Company. These sessions demonstrated nature-based solutions that align with the locals’ practice and the highlands’ native ecosystem.

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A TALK AT SHE SPEAKS 2025: WOMEN ADVANCING WOMEN

On July 12, architect Chu Kim Đức, Think Playgrounds’ co-founder and Executive Director of Think Playgrounds, attended SHE SPEAKS 2025 hosted by Tatler Vietnam at Chillala – House of Art, Ho Chi Minh City as guest speaker. Within the framework of the Front & Female Vietnam Awards Vietnam 2025, SHE SPEAKS 2025 illustrated the “Women Advancing Women” spirit and brought together pioneering women in their respective fields to connect and inspire a community of women to overcome obstacles and excel to their fullest potentials together.

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BÀI VIẾT VỀ THINK PLAYGROUNDS TRÊN TẠP CHÍ TATLER

Think Playgrounds is honored to be featured in the June 2025 issue of Tatler with the article “Leaving No One Behind”, sharing about the journey of renovating public playgrounds with community participation. You can read the full interview at the link (only the Vietnamese version).

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GÂY QUỸ SỬA CHỮA CÁC HỘ NHÀ XÓM PHAO

In June, Xom Phao (the floating community) kindly received donations from Mr. Brian Chestnut, Mr. Phạm Đăng Khánh, UNIS, Habitat for Humanity for the Xom Phao house repair fundraiser on Thiennguyen.org. Together with our partnership programs, philanthropists, and technical support from Think playgrounds, the residents from Xom Phao can continue to repair their houses after the damage caused by typhoon Yagi in 2024 and to withstand the flooding season this year. 

You can contribute to supporting the Xom Phao community by scanning the QR code below: