The World Bank Headquarters Playground 1818 H Street NW Washington, DC The World Bank was created in 1944 in attempts to help rebuild Europe after World War II. The World Bank's focus has shifted to developing countries by financing infrastructure projects hoping that these positive changes will reduce poverty. MarChuk Construction Company Inc was contracted to construct a playground at the World Bank Headquarters building in Washington, DC. The project included a play area, wood decking, closeable storage bins, and a sandbox. To have little impact on the environment, a renewable wood product called IPÊ, was chosen. IPÊ is an environmentally responsible choice which naturally resists fire, rot, decay, insects, and mold without the use of toxic chemicals found in other decking products. MarChuk obtained the wood from Brazilian growers who harvest IPÊ under the guidelines and techniques of sustainable yield forestry management as set forth by the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO).