On August 3, children and teens at Hoberman Park in the City of Lock Haven, Clinton County celebrated the debut of a new kid-designed playground. The months-long collaboration culminated last week as volunteers installed the new playspace which will spark joy and foster a sense of belonging for kids in Lock Haven.

It was made possible through the partnership between the City of Lock Haven, The PA Municipal League, and KABOOM!, along with the generous support of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, First Quality, Highmark, Geisinger and Sons and Daughters of Italy.

“The League is thrilled to help build a new playground in Hoberman Park with the City of Lock Haven, KABOOM!, DCNR and our outstanding funding partners,” said League Executive Director John Brenner. “Safe playspaces are critically important to children, families and neighborhoods.”

“Parks and recreation are pillars of a strong community. I’m excited as we move to the build stage of a wonderful community project,” said Lock Haven Mayor Joel Long.

Community members led the creation of the playground, from design to installation.

In May, kids from Lock Haven shared drawings of their dream playspaces with project organizers. These ideas were integrated into the new playground design.

“Kids of all abilities should have the opportunity to play and have fun! DCNR is proud to support this rehabilitation project at Hoberman Park with thanks to the city of Lock Haven for prioritizing healthy outdoor recreation opportunities for all,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “Thank you to the Pennsylvania Municipal League and KABOOM! for always being wonderful partners in our shared goal of expanding access to local parks and recreation in Pennsylvania’s urban areas.”

“Hoberman Park is a place for families and children to gather and play, and now they will be able to enjoy a brand new playground that was designed for and by the community,” said Diane Renninger, senior project administrator, for First Quality. “Our team members who rolled up their sleeves for the build had a wonderful experience making the designs a reality, and it’s amazing what all the volunteers were able to accomplish together.” 

This playground 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.

In 2022, KABOOM! launched the 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity, the five-year initiative to accelerate efforts towards achieving their mission to end playspace inequity for good across the United States.

This project represents progress in ensuring every kid has a place to play, providing a state-of-the-art playground for children to enjoy each year.

“Playgrounds are where kids can experience the wide range of physical and mental benefits of play, and have the freedom to take risks, build strong relationships, grow, explore, and learn through joyful moments of play,” said Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!. “KABOOM! is thrilled to work with our partners at the Pennsylvania Municipal League to bring to life the new playspace and ensure that kids in Lock Haven and generations to come have a vibrant place to play designed for them to enjoy childhood and unlock their greatest potential.”

Click Here for the complete announcement.

(Photo: The Express.)

NewsClips:

-- The Express: Nearly 100 Volunteers Turn Out For Playground Build At Hoberman

-- The Record Online: New Beginnings At Hoberman Park: Lock Haven Unveils New Kid-Designed Playground

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[Posted: August 5, 2024]

8/12/2024