BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — KABOOM!, a national non-profit working to end playspace inequity, teamed up with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation on the "Built to Play" Initiative and announced the winners for the "Play Everywhere Design Challenge," Monday.
The "Built to Play" Initiative creates public installations to infuse play into everyday locations like bus stops, laundromats, parks and libraries to give kids a safe play space, according to KABOOM!.
The "Play Everywhere Design Challenge," invited communities to submit ideas to help make play more accessible to families.
The partnership has led to more than $1 million being awarded across Western New York and Southeast Michigan.
“Play is a critical part of childhood for kids and too often kids are denied the benefits of play,” associate director of foundations and initiatives with KABOOM! Leah Fox said.
The winners in Western New York are:
- Village of Warsaw, NY
- Alfred Almond Community Sports Association in Almond, NY
- Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, NY
- Houghton College in Houghton, New York
- The Perry Main Street Association in Perry, NY
- Randolph Area Community Development Corporation in Randolph, NY
- Rural Outreach Center in East Aurora, New York
- Springville Center for the Arts in Springville, NY
- Rochester Public Library
- The GIANT Room in Rochester, NY
“Play Everywhere projects are all about meeting kids and families where they are by infusing play into every corner of the community,” said Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!. “Spaces where kids can run, jump, interact and explore are essential for kids’ health and wellbeing, particularly in neighborhoods that otherwise lack safe spaces for recreation and play. We’re excited by the grassroots creativity and enthusiasm that these projects reflect, and look forward to seeing their positive impact on the lives of children across Western New York and Southeast Michigan.”
The projects are slated to be installed by January 2022. You can find more information here.
