'A beckon of hope': two gangs celebrate peace by building a playground

Children of two rival gangs in Chicago are swinging into a future free of violence.

Rival gangs called a peace treaty eight months ago and to celebrate the peace, they've rallied together to build a playground.

The gangs located in the city of North Pullman said they were fed-up of the fighting.

Once a cease-fire was well established, the organisation CRED, who works with young men to stop violence in the city of Chicago, said they were approached with a request.

“We’re working directly with the young men on the south and west sides most likely to shoot and be shot,” explained Arne Duncan of CRED to CBS 2.

“They didn’t ask for anything for themselves. They said ‘our kids have no place to play. Can you help us build a playground?’”

Their efforts to keep the peace paid-off with the building of the playground, which was sponsored by a number of companies.

Speaking to CBS 2, a former gang member Sherman Scullark said, now that peace is ruling out their children can "really play" and "don't have to worry about anything."

The rival gang members, along with volunteers built the special space for their kids and excitement was truly high on both sides because of the team effort.

Arne Duncan of CRED and the two gangs hope that their story inspires others to cease the violence and to build stronger, safer communities.