Stories

Powerful stories of how KABOOM! transforms communities across the country

Even in crisis, we must keep listening to youth

By Lysa Ratliff | April 3, 2020

COVID-19 has layered new challenges on to youth already forced to navigate decades of structural disinvestment. Kids and teens are losing their social connections and the roadmap for their future.

KABOOM! is committed to a multi-sector approach that addresses these issues

Why Playgrounds Are So Important, and Why You Should Avoid Them Now

By James Siegal | March 24, 2020

Playspaces are important to the health and wellness of kids, but everyone should heed the guidance to stay off of public playgrounds to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In a public health crisis, playing on a playground is problematic

KABOOM! and HGTV's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

By KABOOM! | March 15, 2020

KABOOM! teamed up to build a very special playground with HGTV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Homes 4 Families.

More from this exciting episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Spaces to play. Sparks for change.

By James Siegal | February 27, 2020

Why KABOOM! evolved in order to more boldly and clearly reflect our commitment to playspace equity.

Join us as we prioritize equity and amplify the power of the communities

Volunteer returns to hometown to make a difference

By KABOOM! | April 17, 2019

Meet Ed Nora, a CarMax associate who recently volunteered to build a new playground at Smith Park in San Gabriel, CA — the same magical place where he played as a kid.

See how neighbors came together to create a great place for kids

Chicago community unites to provide a safe place for kids to play

By KABOOM! | October 5, 2018

Chicago CRED, KABOOM!, Chicago Park District and the Chicago White Sox, alongside residents of the Pullman neighborhood, rolled up their sleeves to bring a safe place to play to some of the city’s most vulnerable kids.

Read how a truce between gangs led to a new playground and a renewed community

Rebuilding Texas, together

By KABOOM! | October 4, 2018

Read two stories from the partnership between KABOOM! and Rebuild Texas Fund, depicting how we've helped kids in Southeast Texas communities heal and regain a sense of normalcy.

Read how a community faced life after Hurricane Harvey together

Reinvigorating an East Baltimore community with a new playground

By KABOOM! | October 2, 2018

Since 2001, KABOOM! has brought more than $5 million dollars in resources to address the needs of Baltimore's kids. In June 2017, we built new partnerships to bring a new playground to Eager Park.

Watch how a new playground brought the Eager Park community together

Play Everywhere Creates Opportunities for Play in Everyday Spaces

By KABOOM! | October 1, 2018

Play Everywhere reshapes city infrastructure to include kids and families – and play – and turns moments of frustration into moments of joy.

Watch how Play Everywhere can turn moments of frustration into moments of joy

To solve the epidemic of kids and screens, say, 'Yes' to zip lines and super slides

By James Siegal | September 30, 2018

When given the choice, most kids would rather play outside. Increasing outdoor play for kids isn't a question of desire, its a question of priorities, resources, public will and equity.

Learn more about the real solutions we can take to increase play away from screens