Our Mission & Vision

The Problem

Like many non-profits, KaBOOM!, exists to solve a problem: The Play Deficit. Our children are playing less than any previous generation, and this lack of play is causing them profound physical, intellectual, social, and emotional harm.

Not enough playspaces are being built; those that exist are often in disrepair. Fears surrounding lawsuits and safety are trumping common sense, resulting in sterile, uninspired play environments. Recess is being eliminated from our nation’s schools. Kids are overscheduled, and in their free time, many choose to stay indoors, lulled by television, computers and video games.

The Play Deficit is an important problem, and it is imperative that we solve it to ensure our children have long, healthy, and happy lives. The decline of play is closely linked to:

• Childhood obesity
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity, anxiety disorders and depression
• Violence and other behavioral problems
• Stunted social, cognitive, and creative development
• Lack of green spaces in cities and suburbs
• Fragmented communities
• Failing schools

The Solution

We fight this troubling play deficit, and its many related problems, through three central strategies:

• Constructing innovative, kid-inspired playspaces, using a community-build model that improves the well-being of the children we serve as well as the neighborhoods in which they live.
• Sharing the knowledge and tools needed for anyone to find, improve, and/or build playgrounds on their own.
• Building a broad movement driven by research, analysis, policy, and community engagement.

In saving play, we are creating:

• Healthier, happier, and smarter children
• Greener cities
• Better schools
• Stronger neighborhoods

To date, KaBOOM! has built over 2,000 playgrounds, saving play for over 5.5 million children.