September 25, 2018
Putting kids first in Baltimore
Play More B’More creates playspaces that make it easier for kids to get the play they need to thrive in Baltimore. Through multi-sector partnerships, we are increasing access to play in some of Baltimore’s most challenged neighborhoods and engaging key city stakeholders to help make play an easy choice for families in Baltimore.
By putting kids first through Play More B’More, we are able to:
KABOOM! leads this initiative in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, The CarMax Foundation, Mayor Pugh and the City of Baltimore, Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore Corps, business leaders and youth serving organizations across Baltimore City. Through these partnerships, we are building kid-friendly communities that make it as easy as possible for all kids to get the play they deserve.
The first Play More B’More playgrounds were built October 24, 2015 at Tench Tilghman School, Gilmor Elementary School, and LIGHT Health & Wellness
Baltimore City leadership, the private sector, the philanthropic community, and child serving community organizations are all coming together to address the city’s toughest challenges by prioritizing the needs of kids and families. Through the Play More B’More initiative, Baltimore is at the forefront, taking action to make it as easy as possible for all kids, particularly kids growing up in poverty, to get the play they need to thrive. It is a powerful example for other cities to follow. —James Siegal, CEO of KABOOM!
Baltimore City leadership, the private sector, the philanthropic community, and child serving community organizations are all coming together to address the city’s toughest challenges by prioritizing the needs of kids and families.
Through the Play More B’More initiative, Baltimore is at the forefront, taking action to make it as easy as possible for all kids, particularly kids growing up in poverty, to get the play they need to thrive. It is a powerful example for other cities to follow.
—James Siegal, CEO of KABOOM!
The CarMax FoundationThe Play More B’More playground builds are part of a $5 million partnership with The CarMax Foundation to build 33 playgrounds and donate 46 signature play products, Imagination Playgrounds and Rigamajig, with KABOOM! across the United States by the end of 2018, providing more than 300,000 kids the joyful childhood they deserve.
“CarMax is committed to making a difference in the Baltimore community and supporting countless families by helping get kids moving and playing,” said Craig Cronheim, president of The CarMax Foundation. “We are excited to work with KABOOM! and local organizations to have a sustained impact in Baltimore.”
Baltimore CorpsBaltimore Corps works to make Baltimore the social change capital of America. They believe that by empowering today’s visionaries alongside tomorrow’s generation of leaders, they can build a stronger city and much more. By connecting, developing and retaining talent in the city, Baltimore Corps works to create increased opportunities for Baltimore’s children and families.
Family League of BaltimoreSince 1991, Family League of Baltimore has mobilized resources, empowered communities, and built the capacity of organizations to provide children and families with high quality programs and services that help them reach their full potential. Family League of Baltimore uses thier deep experience in resource management to collaborate with stakeholders to improve opportunities across the city. Their goal is that by 2030, all children in Baltimore will be born healthy, succeed academically, graduate high school and transition into higher education and the workforce.
Annie E. Casey FoundationThe Annie E. Casey Foundation creates a brighter future for the nation’s children by developing solutions to strengthen families, build paths to economic opportunity and transform struggling communities into safer and healthier places to live, work and grow. For more information, visit www.aecf.org.
Additional Support Provided byBaltimore City Public Schools, OneBaltimore, Playworld, DAP Products, Morgan Stanley, Baltimore Gas and Electric and LifeBridge Health.
To learn more, read our program launch press release
February 18, 2020
When Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, KABOOM! launched Operation Playground. Through the program and in the following years, KABOOM! channeled more than $27.1 million and mobilized 43,791 volunteers into the Gulf Coast to build playgrounds and restore childhoods.
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.
February 8, 2021
Meet the 19 new and wonderous playspaces coming to Southeast Michigan and Western New York, supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.