The more time a family spends together at a community playground, the greater their sense of family well-being, according to a recent study conducted by Harris Interactive, and commissioned by ForestersTM, a life insurance provider committed to the well-being of families. The study includes the views of over 1,100 parents of 2-12 year-old children in the United States to learn more about the role of community playgrounds in the current state of family time and family well-being.
The study shows that time spent at a community playground is valuable to American families, with 77% of parents agreeing that spending more time at a playground increases a family’s sense of well-being. Almost unanimously, 95% of parents agree that the more time a family spends together being active, the better their sense of family well-being. Three-quarters also wish their family had time to visit a playground more often.
Foresters has invested $7 million with KaBOOM!, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving play, to build community playgrounds. Over their 15 year lifespan, these playgrounds will provide more than 2.6 million children and their families with the opportunity to spend quality time together. In addition to building playgrounds with KaBOOM!, Foresters is a member of the Leadership Circle within the KaBOOM! National Partner Program. National Partner program members invest in programs which have a nation-wide impact on the health and well-being of children and families.
“By building playgrounds, Foresters provides opportunities for families to spend quality time together, playing, learning and having fun,” said Kasia Czarski, Chief Membership and Marketing Officer at Foresters. “Over the next three years, Foresters has committed to building over 60 playgrounds throughout North America in addition to the 32 already built prior to 2011.”
In addition to promoting family well-being, the playgrounds KaBOOM! builds help solve the Play Deficit, a national problem concerning the physical and mental health of children. KaBOOM! is saving play by working to ensure that every child has a great place to play within walking distance of their home. KaBOOM! also virtually maps the national state of play and advocates for great places to play.
KaBOOM! Founder and CEO Darell Hammond said, “KaBOOM! appreciates Foresters support in our fight against Play Deficit. Not only is the investment in playgrounds an investment in family well-being, but it’s also an investment in the long-term health and success of our children. Today’s kids aren’t getting the play they need to develop their bodies and minds, and Foresters understand that for children and their families play isn’t a luxury, it’s an absolute necessity.”