Community-Built Playspaces
The health and well-being of our kids are connected to where they live, learn, and play
Research confirms that play is a developmental necessity that sparks kids’ social, emotional, and physical development. Play also builds resilience and enhances learning.
Yet, too many cities, school districts, park systems, and neighborhoods face inequitable access to dedicated spaces that are intentionally designed to spark these outcomes for kids, especially in communities of color.
That’s why we help communities build spaces for kids to play.
That’s why we work to end playspace inequity.
KABOOM! Playspaces Are Built With Trust and Collaboration
We believe in the power of community to unify, heal, and rebuild, and they lie at the heart of our work and mission. By emphasizing trust and collaboration, we aim to ensure that each KABOOM! playground addresses community-defined outcomes and playspace inequity on the neighborhood level, contributing to a stronger, more cohesive community in the long-term.
We do this by working hand-in-hand with a community’s kids and adults to design, plan, and then build a new community playspace.
Learn more about our open opportunties and playspaces!
Learn MoreWhy Community Mobilization Matters
KABOOM! has unmatched expertise in playspace infrastructure, informed by the experience from 25+ years and 17,000+ building or improving playspaces that were community-designed, and developing technical and strategic partnerships to engage communities.
Community mobilization is key to our process. Community mobilization is about building relationships, fostering trust, and creating collaboration between KABOOM! and the people who will design, plan, build, and long-term, maintain the playspace — our Community Partners.
Partnerships That Create Long-Lasting Benefits
By building trust and collaborating with our Community Partners, together we create playgrounds and playspaces that create long-lasting benefits, including:
- Addressing Community-Defined Needs
- Promoting Social Cohesion
- Building Leadership Capacity
- Fostering Community Ownership
Our model of community mobilization fosters cohesion, pride, and leadership capacity. It leads to the community’s increased usage of a playspace and their vested interest in the long-term maintenance of the playspace.
Most importantly, it creates an amazing place for kids and families to play.
Community Mobilization Process
The Community Playspace opportunities provides the facilitation and support of our Community Mobilization Managers and Build Managers to embark on a 5-12 week planning process.
Our Community Mobilization Model
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Screening Process
Includes reviewing your application submission for eligibility.
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Confirmation
Meeting KABOOM!, the funding partner, and confirming key dates.
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Activation
Determining your community's goals and outreach strategy.
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Design
Hosting workshops to determine the final playspace design, and reviewing logistics for the Build Week.
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Planning
Weekly planning calls and completing all preparation for where your final playspace will be built.
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Build Week
A four-day building of the playground by volunteers, hosted by you and a KABOOM! Build Manager.
Download Our Community Build Process Summary
For more details on the entire process, download our Community Build Playgrounds Summary, which includes more details on how the entire project comes together.
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