KaBoom! I built a playground!

Yesterday I had the privilege of participating in the Kaboom! playground build in Inglewood. In case you haven't heard of KaBoom!, it's a non-profit organization that builds playgrounds in neighborhoods. They provide support and guidance, as well as lining up corporate sponsors for communities who want to build a playspace or upgrade their playground equipment.

In an all-day build, members of communities are able to completely transform a site into a playground. This time, we performed a badly needed upgrade, from equipment that wasn't safe for play. From 9-3 over 220 people from the City of Inglewood, Los Angeles Fire Department, Youth Build and a crew of mom bloggers, of which I was one, descended on Inglewood with one goal: create a great space for kids. Center Park in Inglewood is now the proud owner of the resulting playground. In the space of seven hours, playground equipment was built, including a large climbing structure with climbing wall and bridges, slide and swings. Seven tons of concrete were mixed, two tractor-trailerfuls of mulch was shoveled (some of it by me and JBug!) and moved onto the playground.

Local artist, Julian created an amazing table and benches for the playground, with an urban flair. Julian creates art through a program at his school, which offers community service on weekends. With Reverend Run attending with his wife and daughters, 220 volunteers and local school children watched and cheered at the ribbon cutting ceremony concluding the build.

KaBoom has built 1748 playgrounds, and Koolaid has sponsored 26 of those builds. KaBoom wants to help your community, too. What can you do? You can map the playgrounds in your area and provide pictures. You can get support and information in starting your own community build. You can donate money. And yes, you can even join a local build. KaBoom! has a vision: a safe place to play within walking distance for every child. It's a huge undertaking, and they need our help.

This was one of the most rewarding things I have done in a long time, and I recommend attending a build if you have the opportunity. Not only will you have an amazing experience, you will also be left with a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.

Here is the collaborative Whrrl story:

More check-ins at KaBOOM KoolAid Playground Build

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What is your favorite piece of playground equipment?

T, who likes the swings the best

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