Christmas in July: Playground Donated to Boca del Rio Park

The San Pedro Christmas Collection concluded its 2023/2024 fundraising and donation campaign with a significant contribution—a brand-new playground for Boca del Rio Park. The dedication ceremony took place on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

Wisdom Playgrounds, based in Navassa, North Carolina, USA, played a crucial role by providing the playground free of cost. Several organizations collaborated to bring the playground to the island, including the San Pedro Town Council successfully petitioning Central Government to waive all importation taxes. Representatives from Wisdom Playgrounds were present to oversee the proper installation of the playground by local contractors.

Additional safety features are scheduled for installation this week, and the playground is expected to open for children by this weekend. This achievement was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the San Pedro Christmas Collection group, local donors, volunteers, and patrons who supported the initiative.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the San Pedro Christmas Collection began its mission to provide island children with food and toys during the Christmas season. This past year, they expanded their efforts by asking elementary schools on the island for their wish lists. Thanks to a generous donation from Wisdom Playgrounds, they were able to fulfill these wishes.

Playground Only One of Many Donations

Throughout the year, the group made several deliveries to meet the schools’ requests, much to the delight of students and staff. Here is the complete list of items provided by the 2023/2024 San Pedro Christmas Collection efforts:

February 27: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) kits for Island Academy and Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES).
February 27 and 29: Band equipment for Holy Cross School and Isla Bonita Elementary School.
June 6: Laptops for San Pedro R.C. School and New Horizon SDA School.
Currently under construction: Commercial playground at Boca del Rio Park.
July 23: Playground balls for each of the five island preschools.
July 23: $3,000 BZD to “Include Me 2,” San Pedro’s new special needs physical therapy program.

The success of this year’s campaign highlights the community’s spirit and generosity, ensuring that the children of San Pedro have the resources and recreational facilities they need for a brighter future.