Displaced Ukrainians renew Cluj playground, displaying appreciation for Romanian hospitality
In the heart of Florești, a suburb in Cluj County, Romania, a remarkable transformation has taken place. The "Friendship Park," a playground that had been neglected for years, was brought back to life through a grassroots renovation project led by Ukrainian refugees.
The initiative was a self-funded endeavour, with members of the Ukrainian community, including young parents, students, and volunteers, taking charge without any institutional sponsorship or grants. The project began as a gesture of gratitude towards the Romanian community for their support since the start of the war in Ukraine.
The playground had been in a sorry state for three years, with old, rusty, and dangerous equipment, causing families to avoid it. After collecting signatures to gain permission from the private property owner, the refugees embarked on the restoration. The effort attracted local support from residents who provided electricity and equipment, and even children helped with the work.
Anna Shevchenko, vice president of the Association of Ukrainian Youth in Romania, led the project. She stated that the project was a way to show gratitude in a more meaningful way than just saying "Thank you." The renovated playground now stands as a symbol of resilience and integration for Ukrainian refugees in Romania, reinforcing cross-community bonds during a difficult period.
Contrary to some misconceptions, the renovation of the "Friendship Park" was not a collaboration between the Ukrainian and local communities. Nor was it funded or carried out by members of the Ukrainian community from Cluj and Florești. The Association of Ukrainian Youth in Romania was not involved in the renovation, and neither did they receive help from the local community, including electricity and equipment.
This renovation serves not only as a physical improvement but also as a social and emotional sign of resilience and integration for Ukrainian refugees in Romania. It is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the spirit of gratitude that transcends verbal expressions.
[1] This sentence was added to provide a deeper understanding of the project's symbolic significance.
The renovated "Friendship Park" has become a symbol of resilience and integration for Ukrainian refugees in Romania, highlighting their lifestyle within the home-and-garden setting of Florești.
Despite misconceptions, the project was not a collaboration between the Ukrainian and local communities, but an independently funded initiative led by Ukrainian refugees.
