Community joins forces with nonprofit to advance playspace equity in Prince George’s County
RIVERDALE, MD – Today, kids at Riverdale Park in Riverdale, MD are celebrating as the community debuts a new kid-designed playground and adventure course. The months-long collaboration between The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF), and KABOOM! culminated this week as more than 150 participants built the new playspace that will spark joy and foster a sense of belonging for kids in Riverdale.
The new playspace was a collaborative effort by community members, including kids, who presented creative ideas for their dream playground during a design day in March.
“Through this innovative partnership with KABOOM! and great community sponsorships like Monumental Sports & Entertainment, we are able to more quickly accomplish the goal of the replacement or renovation for the playgrounds the Department of Parks and Recreation currently operates and maintains in Prince George’s County.” said Bill Tyler, Director of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation. “It’s truly a win-win. Our talented and dedicated staff are able to utilize various resources along with imaginative, pesticide-free options while incorporating the vision of the community children and families, more than ever before,” concludes Tyler.
Addressing childhood obesity and improving the overall health of the communities they serve is a top priority for The Department and playing provides countless physical, social, and mental health benefits. However, far too many children, especially in communities of color, do not have a place to play near where they live or learn. KABOOM! is working to end playspace inequity, ensuring that kids have access to quality places to play, something that should be part of every child’s life. The new playspace at Riverdale Park, designed with the neighborhood’s unique needs and aspirations in mind, brings Prince George’s County one step closer toward ending playspace inequity and ensuring that every kid has the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of play.
“Playgrounds are an iconic part of childhood. They’re not only where kids collect some of their best memories, but also where crucial skills are developed that nurture their physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” said Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!. “With the help of amazing partners like The Department of Parks and Recreation and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, we can drive the positive systemic change necessary to ensure every kid in Prince George’s County has an amazing place to play and unlock their greatest potential.”
Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation has provided support for the new playground through its partnership with KABOOM!, furthering its commitment to ending playspace inequity. Since 2011, MSEF has invested nearly $825K and partnered with KABOOM! to build 10 playgrounds across the region with the volunteer support of more than 1,000 employees and fans.
“This is our tenth build, and we are excited to continue our partnership with KABOOM! and create a safe and exciting place to play for the kids and families in Riverdale,” said Elizabeth Pace, President and Executive Director, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. “We are committed to ending playspace inequity so that every child has the chance to experience the joys of childhood.”
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About The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County
The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, PhotoShelter, and Instagram. The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
About Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation
MSE Foundation is committed to making the region a better place for all by supporting game-changing solutions for our community. We fundraise, provide grants to nonprofits and rally Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s teams and fans to support and amplify the impact of community change agents. Together, we’re raising the game in the DMV. Learn more at MonumentalFoundation.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
About KABOOM!
KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity – the reality that quality places to play are not available to every child, especially in communities of color. Since 1996, KABOOM! has partnered with kids and communities to build or improve 17,000+ playspaces and ensure that nearly 12 million kids have equitable access to the crucial benefits and opportunities that playspaces offer. In 2022, KABOOM! launched the 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity to accelerate its mission in 25 high-priority locations over five years. Learn more at kaboom.org or join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
