At KABOOM!, it's always playtime.
KABOOM! teams up with communities to build amazing playspaces that foster a sense of belonging and help give every kid the opportunity to thrive.
For 25 years, they've engaged more than 1.5 million community members, and built or improved 17,000 kid-designed play spaces nationwide. Next, they are coming to our backyard to build a new playground, for kids ages 2-5, in Bellevue State Park in November.
Designed For Kids, By Kids
On September 5, project partners --KABOOM!, DNREC (Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control), Friends of Bellevue State Park, Bellevue State Park, and Discover Financial-- invited the public to design a preschooler's dream playground (aimed at ages 2-5).
The playground will go next to the playgrounds by the horse barn. Their long-term goal is to phase out older structures and reimagine this area to incorporate play, exploration, and nature education.
While the kids wished for elevators and rollercoasters, park visitors of all ages wanted an out-of-the-ordinary playground full of accessible and collaborative equipment that complemented the park's natural beauty.
Faster than a toddler with an uncapped marker
KABOOM! does not waste any time to make play possible. Two designs were created based on the input from the community design meeting held on September 5.
The public is invited to vote on their favorite playground design by September 18! Then, a planning committee will meet weekly through the end of October. The playground will be built on November 6-8.
"I love that this project serves the community while it engages with them throughout the process to design and build something they will use with their families for years to come," said Alana Delaney, Bellevue State Park Superintendent.
This project will take a village. Don't fret- no hard hat experience is required! Work is available for volunteers of all levels of skill and ability.
Ready to jump in?
- Join the planning committee. Sub-committees include Logistics, Construction, PR, Fundraising, Food, Play and Recruitment.
- Spread the word about the project! From soliciting food donations for volunteers to recruitment, there are a lot of moving parts to this project.
- Build Week. On November 6-8, the project needs 200-250 volunteers for construction and prep.
- Please note - All youth under the legal working age for this state will be welcome to participate in youth activities but will not be able to participate in building in the construction areas. Register here.
It just takes a few hours of giving back to give children a lifetime of memories.
Photos via KABOOM!
