VOA常速英语:Playful Cities USA Takes Play Seriously

Kids in this Washington D.C. neighborhood have a new playground just a few steps from where they live. KaBOOM created it in collaboration with groups of community.

“When we look for a playground, it has to be a place that either doesn’t have one, or has an old one that needs to be updated.”

Over the past 20 years, KaBOOM has built more than 2000 playgrounds across North America. Getting neighbors involved is key to the process.

Michelle Robinson says this playground has changed the way her grandkids play.

“They are not fighting anymore because there is something for them to do now because we have the hopscotch and other games to play out here.”

In this neighborhood, KaBOOM renovated an old playground.

“It’s really nice. They did a great job renovating it. My daughter enjoys this playground particularly, not just because it’s our neighborhood, but just... I mean there is a playground meant for bigger kids as they get more adventurous.”

For 10 years, KaBOOM has sponsored the Playful Cities USA program. Communities submit applications, outlining their projects and activities, hoping to be honored as a playful city. This year, KaBOOM recognized 257 of them.

The goal is to inspire city leaders to consider kids’ needs when designing their communities, because play is important.

“Play contributes to the well-being of the whole child. It helps them to become healthy, balanced adults. It contributes to their social and emotional well-being. It helps them to curb obesity rates.”

And, through helping cities create more playgrounds, KaBOOM creates a more playful society.

For writer Faiza Elmasry, I am Faith Lapidus VOA NEWS.