Volunteers from SOME and Monumental Sports have teamed up in a heartwarming initiative to construct a playground in Washington, D.C. This endeavor aims to bring joy and instill a sense of belonging in the children of the region. The motivation behind this project is simple yet profound: every child, irrespective of their background or residence, should have access to play areas, enjoying the plethora of physical, mental, and social benefits they bring.
The concept of playspace equity gained traction in 2022 when KABOOM! unveiled their ambitious project, the 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity. Spanning over five years, this initiative propels the mission of eliminating playspace disparities throughout the United States. The playground in discussion will be a testament to this effort, providing children from the area a state-of-the-art space to play annually.
At the heart of this endeavor lies a shared vision. SOME, believes that children, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds, deserve spaces to play, grow, and flourish. Recognizing the inequitable access that especially plagues low-income, formerly homeless children, SOME Inc. has eagerly collaborated with Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation and KABOOM!. This partnership seeks to rejuvenate Independence Place, one of the nine affordable family housing facilities, by gifting its 41 formerly homeless children a playspace that’s both engaging and therapeutic. In a city like Washington D.C., where the scars of poverty and homelessness are all too apparent in the lives of its youngest citizens, this project symbolizes hope and resilience.
This noble cause has found a generous benefactor in the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Washington Capitals, Washington Mystics, and Washington Wizards. The foundation is funding the playground situated in southeast Washington, D.C., marking their 11th collaboration with KABOOM! in the D.C. metropolitan area.
However, this is not just another playground. Meticulously designed by children and ensuring inclusivity, it embodies the spirit of KABOOM! in their relentless drive to address playspace inequity, especially pronounced in communities of color. With an anticipated annual footfall of over 140 children, the playground stands as a beacon of community and equity.
In the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees will be enlightened by representatives from SOME, Monumental Sports, and KABOOM!. They’ll delve deep into the inception, design, and community impact of the playground at Independence Place. Additionally, media professionals can capture the event’s essence through photos and b-roll of dedicated volunteers from Monumental Sports and SOME as they bring this vision to life.
For those inspired by this endeavor and interested in collaborating with KABOOM!, more information can be found at kaboom.org/25-in-5. If you wish to understand the broader vision, visit kaboom.org.