Building Stronger Communities with Community-Built Playgrounds

On September 8, 2012, an estimated 100 volunteers"?uincluding 40 teenagers showed up at Lucas Park in downtown St. Louis, unexpectedly asking how they could help. They hauled wheelbarrows, shoveled dirt, and assembled equipment, constructing a beautiful new playground in less than 12 hours.

Your playground will be the heart of your community. Now all you need is a hand"?uor a few hundred hands"?uto help you build it.

That's why Playworld Systems has partnered exclusively with KaBOOM!"?uthe national non-profit experts in community-built playgrounds"?uto bring expertise and assistance for your project.

One of the biggest challenges facing any community-build playground project is fundraising. That is why KaBOOM! offers communities occasional grant opportunities to begin or complete playspace projects. Visit KaBOOM.org/Grants to learn about all the different grant opportunities available.

Building a playground for the first time? Don't know where to begin? Log on to OurDreamPlayground.org to learn how to lead successful playground projects from our playground building experts. You'll find playspace planning tools, fundraising tips, networking forums, and free online training sessions designed to meet your project needs.

For certain projects, KaBOOM! is able to pair community partners in need with funders who share our vision of a great place to play within walking distance of every child. To see if your playground project is eligible for funding, visit KaBOOM.org/CommunityPartner.

In addition to empowering communities to build playgrounds, KaBOOM! also honors cities and towns???(R)???AE'?N????e'?N,A+that make play a priority and use innovative programs to get children active, playing and healthy. Apply to become a Playful City USA community and enjoy the many perks of being a national role model for play, including: exclusive access to grant opportunities and online resources; street???(R)???AE'?N????e'?N,A+signs, awards, and special???(R)???AE'?N????e'?N,A+marketing opportunities identifying your community's commitment to children; inclusion in national publications spotlighting your city's best practices in play.

The KaBOOM! Map of Play is a quick and easy way to find and rate playgrounds in your community. Don't see your favorite? Visit???(R)???AE'?N????e'?N,A+MapofPlay.KaBOOM.org to load your favorite playgrounds, skateparks, and ice rinks or any other great place to play in your community. Learn how to make play a priority in your community at KaBOOM.org.