Boyolali, 7 July 2023– The Mechanical Engineering Study Program at Universitas Sebelas Maret, which is part of the Applied Energy Conversion and Nanotechnology research group, is conducting community service at Mekarsari Park, located in Kaligentong Village, Gladagsari District, Boyolali Regency, Central Java. The park is a revitalization of the local community’s household waste disposal site. This tourist spot has three functions, namely the function of maintaining river and environmental sustainability, the function of a recreation area for community members and educational facilities, and the function of culinary business facilities and marketing of MSME products. However, in its development, there is still an open empty space that can be used as a place for children to play and study. It can be seen that playing in the garden can grow and develop children, including learning and training children’s dexterity from an early age.
The lecturers who are members of the research group and assisted by students carry out community service by making rides at Mekarsari Park in the form of sleds. A sled is a vehicle with a slide-like shape that functions as a means for children to interact with the outside environment. Through this interaction, it is hoped that children will be able to cultivate a courageous and confident attitude towards the outside world. Making a playroom for early childhood is done by paying attention to material and immaterial aspects.
The management of Mekarsari Park welcomed the Community Service for the manufacture of skateboard rides. Where this Community Service adds to the rides in Mekarsari Park so that it adds to the happiness of the children. “Our hope is that the results of this community service show that the courses or lessons in mechanical engineering are very applicable in solving problems that exist in society, for example making a children’s playground that is designed with careful calculations that can be installed anywhere. outdoor on sufficient land and after testing can function properly. “Hopefully our dedication from this mechanical engineering study program can bring benefit and prosperity to the people who visit Mekarsari Park in general,” said Prof. Dr. Ir. Zainal Arifin, S.T., M.T. as head of the research group.
