Why map play deserts?

More children have fewer places and opportunities to play, creating a play deficit that is causing harm to our children. Mapping play deserts allows us to identify where the problem is greatest and then address it.

The Los Angeles Unified School District was recently contacted with a simple question: How many of their elementary schools had playgrounds? The call was sent from one department to the other. No one knew. They told the caller that no one had even asked them the question before. This anecdote tells a larger nationwide story. Although the Play Deficit is well documented on the macro level, no one knows really which kids have a place to play and which kids don’t at the neighborhood level.

Once we know where the Play Deserts are, public policy makers and non-profits, including KaBOOM!, can address the Play Deficit rationally and effectively.

The completed Play Desert map will drive action:

1. Building new playspaces and improving and opening existing playspaces. An accurate play desert will show local, state and federal governments, school districts, foundations, and child-serving non-profits where to focus funding for:
   • Building new playgrounds
   • Improving existing playgrounds
   • Opening existing playgrounds through joint-use agreements
2. Focusing policy and neighborhood action on other factors which make a playspace a  place where children actually play
   1. On the walkability of our neighborhoods, including advocating for cross walks, stop signs, stop lights, etc.
   2. On efforts to reduce crime in general and more specifically staffing playspaces with adults
3. The Play Desert Map will be a critical, free resource for research institutions, health departments, and city planning agencies