KABOOM! today announced a renewed partnership with The CarMax Foundation, which will support the creation of 25 kid-designed playgrounds over the next three years and ensure that at least 62,500 children in high-priority communities have access to safe and inclusive places to play.
The announcement builds upon a rich ten-year history of partnership between the two organizations, including creating nearly 200 playspaces in 102 CarMax communities and activating more than 11,000 CarMax volunteers. As a long-standing Leadership Partner of KABOOM!, The CarMax Foundation anchors a select family of the nation’s top corporate and foundation supporters of equitable access to playspaces.
“CarMax is committed to making a positive impact on the communities where we live and work,” said Jason Ancarrow, president of The CarMax Foundation. “Through the KABOOM! partnership, CarMax associates will have a direct impact in helping increase access to play opportunities that help kids thrive.”
Playing on a playground is more than just fun – it is a developmental necessity for kids of all ages, providing countless intellectual, social, emotional, and physical benefits. However, due to decades of disinvestment and exclusion, millions of children miss out on the essential benefits and simple joys of play. KABOOM! defines this as playspace inequity. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend life for children across the country, ensuring that every kid in every community can access the benefits of play is more important now than ever.
“As a true champion of play, The CarMax Foundation has demonstrated a commitment to responding to the unique needs of partner communities by building amazing playspaces that foster kids’ health, well-being, and learning,” said Lysa Ratliff, Chief Executive Officer of KABOOM!. “We’re thrilled to build upon our long-standing partnership and make an even greater impact together in years to come.”