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 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.
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.
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
In 2022, KABOOM! made significant advancements in our work to end playspace inequity. Learn how we accelerated our efforts to achieve our mission through bold, diverse partnerships in our 2022 Annual Report, available now.
Learn More
Powerful stories of how KABOOM! works across the country to end playspace inequity.
April 4, 2023
February 2, 2023
Join us this Black History Month as we acknowledge and celebrate the enduring contributions of Black leaders that create stronger communities and opportunities where Black children can experience joy and the many benefits of play and recreation.
December 20, 2022
After the unthinkable tragedy at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022 the City of Uvalde, KABOOM!, and the Archewell Foundation to joined together to unite the community in a positive way. Learn more about how Uvalde is healing through community service.
September 27, 2023
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.