What do you do if you have small children and there's no playground nearby?

That's easy . . . you build one yourself. And that's exactly what Eleni Daskalaki did.

"I worked for a lot of years in the Hatzis supermarket and I always liked the rapport with small children who came to the supermarket with the parents," Mrs. Daskalaki recalled. "Later, when I stopped working to raise my children, I was faced with the problem of not having a playground in close proximity to bring my girls."

About four years ago, the young mother and now a businesswoman, transformed a 450-square metre space on Kokkini Hani's main street into a surreal world for children and parents alike . . . the popular Γιούπι Playground.  

"It was a big risk for me to make a new professional start," said the 30-year-old mother of Kallia, 13, and Angela, 10. "But, it was an investment in life, and was made with much love and a lot of personal effort.  I believe I have accomplished my original goal, but I am always looking for improvements. That's why we have a register where visitors can write their impressions and complaints. It's something that helps us develop in a positive way."

Eleni said she called her new venture Γιούπι, which is the happy cry of a child, sort of like "yippee" in English.

"It seemed only fitting since our aim from the start is for kids to be enjoying themselves," she said. "In fact, this place is like my third child."

The playground was designed for both aesthetics and hospitality. It incorporates a colourful play area with three rubber inflatable games, two in the courtyard and one inside. There is also a cafeteria and lounge for the parents.

"Also, we have computers and group games available," said Eleni, who comes from Arkalohori originally, but has been a Kokkini Hani resident for many years. "It's something like learning through playing." 

In addition to the regular daily events, Eleni offers theme parties throughout the year and her annual masquerade party during Mardi Gras is one of the highlights of the carnival season in the area.

"Our playground can accommodate 100 guests and our parties can go on for three to five hours" she explained. "We always respect the psychology of the child and strive for the playground to have a positive energy on the child and leave them to express themselves freely. In the course of time, the parents also become our friends," she added proudly.

The playground is open from 5 p.m. daily all year, with a free parking area opposite the facility.