Most of us remember our favorite childhood playgrounds , where families got together to socialize and kids had the opportunity to run around and play . Many urban areas are noticeably devoid of such spaces, but a group of volunteers in Notogawa, Japan , didn’t let that stop them from creating a community hub: they renovated a vacant 100-year-old house and transformed it into a public space that they named “ Co-minka etokoro “. The name “ Etokoro ” in Japanese signifies painting/art ( e ) and ( to ) children ( ko ) and a good ( e- ) place ( tokoro ); a rather apt name, considering that the space is primarily being used as a children’s playground and parenting education facility. Children , parents, and grandparents plant fruit and vegetables in the garden , make seasonal decorations, bake bread, and create art together, filling this old house with delight and promise. Missing Attachment Missing Attachment Missing Attachment Missing Attachment The article above was submitted to us by an Inhabitat reader. Want to see your story on Inhabitat ? Send us a tip by following this link . Remember to follow our instructions carefully to boost your chances of being chosen for publishing! Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: Children , Co-minka etokoro , community center , community centre , Japanese , Japanese community centre , Japanese playground , Notogawa , Notogawa playground , old home , playground , playschool , renovated Japanese home , renovated old home
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Nurturing Kids and Community in a Refurbished 100-Year-Old Japanese House
