Our 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.
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.
Community Playspaces
We unite with partners to build kid-designed, community-led playspaces, advancing our mission to end playspace inequity.
Public Policy & Advocacy
Our policy work at the federal, state, and local levels mobilizes support for critical bills and policies that advance playspace equity.
Data-Driven for Impact
Our data-informed approach helps guide our decision-making and understanding about playspace access, quality, and impact.
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 $250 million 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.
The new playground at DeLeon Park, built alongside the City of Uvalde and Archewell Foundation, is now a joyful place for kids to play and a symbol of hope and what’s possible for the community as they look toward healing and brighter days ahead.
Learn more
We are honored the KABOOM! 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity is featured as part of Next City’s Solutions of the Year Festival. Listen as our Board Chair Lynn Ross facilitated a rich conversation with our CEO Lysa Ratliff, Reginald Moore from Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, and Alison Perkins-Cohen from Baltimore City Schools about 25 in 5 as a solution to end playspace inequity and how we are working together in Baltimore to accelerate our mission to end playspace inequity for good.
Read More
Powerful stories of how KABOOM! works across the country to end playspace inequity.
December 20, 2022
December 8, 2022
A passion project nearly 20 years in the making, this summer's collaboration with the Police Athletic League of Wilmington (PALW) and Discover to help answer the call to provide a safe place for children in the Northeast Wilmington community to play.
November 21, 2022
What the 2022 midterm elections mean for KABOOM's advocacy work.
October 14, 2022
In celebration of the rich heritage, culture and contributions of the Hispanic community, we are honored to highlight the inspiring story of this resilient Mexican-American community in El Paso, Texas.
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.