kaboom.orgKABOOM! Works Nationally to Achieve Playspace Equity

.. Search Our Work Our Work Ending Playspace Inequity Community-Built Playspaces The 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity Play Everywhere Public Policy & Advocacy Disaster and Crisis Recovery Grants Grants About KABOOM! Grants Open Opportunities Playground Resources Start an Application Partners Partners Become a Partner Meet Our Partners Impact Impact Stories Data-Informed & Impact-Driven Approach Press Room About AboutFinancial Statements Board of Directors Staff Careers Ways to Donate Subscribe Donate Our work Playgrounds Play Everywhere Creative play products Disaster rebuilding City partnerships Grants Grant opportunities Frequently asked questions Application help Playground building resources Online application Partners Become a partner Meet our partners Impact Stories Research AboutPress room Financial statements Board of directors Staff Careers Donate SubscribeMenu Close Our Work Ending Playspace Inequity Community-Built Playspaces The 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity Play Everywhere Public Policy & Advocacy Disaster and Crisis Recovery Grants About KABOOM! Grants Open Opportunities Playground Resources Start an Application Partners Become a Partner Meet Our Partners Impact Stories Data-Informed & Impact-Driven Approach Press Room AboutFinancial Statements Board of Directors Staff Careers Ways to Donate Subscribe Donate Our work Playgrounds Play Everywhere Creative play products Disaster rebuilding City partnerships Grants Grant opportunities Frequently asked questions Application help Playground building resources Online application Partners Become a partner Meet our partners Impact Stories Research AboutPress room Financial statements Board of directors Staff Careers Donate SubscribeOur Mission: End playspace inequity. For good. We unite with communities to build kid-designed playspaces that can spark joy and foster a sense of belonging for the kids who are often denied opportunities to thrive. Playing is the essence of childhood and is a critical developmental need that provides countless physical, social, and mental health benefits. Far too many children – especially children of color – do not get the chance to play on a playground, something that should be part of every child’s life. This is playspace inequity. Playspace inequity is a systemic problem. Racism, disinvestment, and exclusion have resulted in generations of kids who do not have access to places where they can play, learn, and feel like they belong. Playspace inequity is an issue with deep roots, but it is also solvable. KABOOM! unites with communities and diverse partners to build playspaces in places where we know from data that access has been historically denied. Together, we work to ensure every playspace reflects the unique needs, desires, cultures, and strengths of the community. Since our founding over 25 years ago, we’ve built or transformed 17,000+ playspaces, engaged more than 1.5 million community members and brought joy to nearly 12 million kids. Our work will continue until every child has high-quality places to play, grow, and thrive. Commemorating One Year Working in Uvalde After the tragedy at Robb Elementary School, we made a commitment to unite with the Uvalde community to support them as they heal. One year ago, our first playground project at DeLeon Park came to life with the support of The Archewell Foundation, creating an amazing space for kids to play and for the community to come together again. Now as part of the 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity, the City of Uvalde and KABOOM! have been working to build more playgrounds across the city. Together, we are taking significant steps to end playspace inequity in Uvalde, ensuring that every child has a place to play, learn, and grow in a safe and joyful environment. Watch this video highlighting the power of community coming together when it’s needed most to support kids. Watch Now Our Programs and Initiatives Community Playspaces We unite with partners to build kid-designed, community-led playspaces, advancing our mission to end playspace inequity. Learn More Public Policy & Advocacy Our policy work at the federal, state, and local levels mobilizes support for critical bills and policies that advance playspace equity. Learn More Data-Driven for Impact Our data-informed approach helps guide our decision-making and understanding about playspace access, quality, and impact. Learn More KABOOM! 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity One year ago, we launched the KABOOM! 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity, our five-year plan to accelerate our mission to achieve playspace equity across the United States. Playspace inequity is a problem with deep roots, but it is solvable and more urgent now than ever to address the physical, social, and emotional needs of children today. Learn More Are you part of a school districts, parks and recreation departments, or housing system looking to make big changes? We are seeking municipal partners (school districts, parks and recreation departments, housing systems, etc.) enthusiastic about creating equitable access to playspaces to join our 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity. Check out the Playce Partner page to learn more and take the interest survey. Join our 25 in 5 Initiative In The News The future is a playground KABOOM! CEO Lysa Ratliff recently spoke with The Washington Post about the importance of playspaces in a society that was designed for the benefit of some people, and the oppression of others.” Read more from Caitlin Gibson about the history and future of playgrounds and how kids help architects and designers build the best playgrounds for communities. Read more from The Washington Post Women to Watch For several years, Nonprofit HR has recognized women who have made impactful contributions to the social impact sector. CEO Lysa Ratliff was recently named a 2024 Social Impact Woman to Watch. Learn More Stories of Impact Powerful stories of how KABOOM! works across the country to end playspace inequity. Nature and Play: A Winning Combination November 2, 2023 Improving Educational Outcomes Through Play and Partnerships October 18, 2023 In today’s changing education landscape, achieving better educational outcomes requires a comprehensive approach beyond traditional methods. Educators, policymakers, and organizations focusing on the health and well-being of children and families are searching for new and creative ways to enhance the learning journey. New data shows disparities in withholding of recess October 10, 2023 The report comes as California Governor signs Right to Recess” bill into law Playground Partnerships: Unlocking the Potential of Parks September 27, 2023 KABOOM! recently partnered with with The City of Hamtramck, Hamtramck Public Schools, and Hamtramck Parks Conservancy, and General Motors Factory Zero to increase play in Hamtramck. Become a Partner KABOOM! unites with communities, funders, city leaders, municipal systems, peer organizations, and other strategic partners to increase access to playspaces for kids and communities. Join our efforts and together, we can end playspace inequity for good. Become a Partner Today Signup for our Newsletter Join our email list to learn more about our latest news and how you can help us end playspace inequity for good. Email Address Sign UpGrants Become a Partner Careers Home Playgrounds Play Everywhere Partners Grants About Donate Subscribe Contact Press Careers Map of PlayKABOOM! • 7200 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 400 • Bethesda, MD 20814 • 202.659.0215 © 2024 • Terms • Privacy...