This is part of a nationwide effort led by KABOOM! to end playspace inequity – the reality that far too many children do not get the chance to play on a playground, something that should be part of every child’s life.
WHEN: |
Friday, September 6, 2024 9:30 am – Volunteers construct playground 3:30 pm – Ribbon cutting ceremony and photo opportunities |
| WHERE: | 5000 Hunt Street NE, Washington, DC 20019 |
WHAT: |
Meet and speak with representatives from the Washington Housing Conservancy (WHC), Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF), and KABOOM! who are constructing a new playspace that will spark joy and a sense of belonging for kids at Huntwood Courts Apartments in Washington, D.C. This project exemplifies the power of partnerships and community involvement in creating spaces that reflect the unique needs and strengths of the local community and encourage meaningful connections among neighbors. Community members led the creation of the playground, from design to installation. In June, kids from Washington, D.C., were joined by Wizards player Jules Bernard and Capitals player John Carlson in drawing their dream playspaces to share with project organizers. These ideas were integrated into the new playground design. At the playground ribbon cutting ceremony, attendees will hear from representatives from WHC, MSEF and KABOOM! on the creation of the playground and the impact this community investment has on the neighbors who will benefit from it. Media may collect photos and b-roll of volunteers building the playground. On-site representatives will offer remarks and will also be available for questions. To learn how partners can join KABOOM! in their efforts to end playspace inequity, visit kaboom.org/25-in-5. |
WHO: |
Spokespersons on-site will include:
|
CONTACT: |
To RSVP as a media attendee, contact: Marycate Walsh – Vice President, External Affairs, Monumental Sports & Entertainment 609-458-2260 | [email protected] Liz Wainger for Washington Housing Conservancy 301-340-6831 | [email protected] |
ADDITIONAL INFO: |
This new playspace with the Washington Housing Conservancy (WHC) and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSE) is part of a nationwide effort led by KABOOM! to end playspace inequity – the reality that far too many children – especially children of color – do not get the chance to play on a playground, something that should be part of every child’s life. Their work is to ensure every kid can experience the numerous physical, social, and mental health benefits of play regardless of background or where they live. The new playground will provide a safe and engaging space for children to develop critical life skills through play, contributing to their overall well-being and success in life. This project represents progress in ensuring every kid has a place to play, providing a state-of-the-art playground for more than 560 children to enjoy each year. The project is truly a community-wide effort with local vendors, like Coca-Cola Consolidated Inc., generously donating beverages for volunteers, Giant Food providing lunch for all those participating in build day, Chick-Fil-A donating lunch for the first prep day and Dunkin’ providing donuts and coffee for breakfast on build day. In 2022, KABOOM! launched the 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity, the five-year plan to accelerate efforts towards achieving their mission to end playspace inequity for good across the United States. KABOOM! envisions a world where safe and amazing places to play exist for every child in America so that kids can grow up happy and healthy. To learn how partners can join KABOOM! in their efforts to end playspace inequity, visit kaboom.org/25-in-5. |
###
About Washington Housing Conservancy
Washington Housing Conservancy is working to reinvent the housing system to become a more equitable pathway to opportunity and prosperity for all. Fusing a social impact mission with real estate expertise and capital, we acquire and preserve rental housing that is affordable for moderate and low-income workers, particularly those of color so they are able to build wealth and focus on their future in inclusive communities. For more information, visit us at https://washingtonhousingconservancy.org/ or connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube.
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 X (formerly 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 X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
