By Kari Svenneby
Seems like it is cutting edge to be into outdoor play nowadays. Finally… It was not long ago I had a meeting with someone here in Toronto and they told me outdoor play was something we use to do in the “old days”.
Well, talking about the “old days”, one of our desperate housewives is promoting outdoor play. Actress Marcia Cross, is involved in KaBOOM and urges you to start a playday in your community.
KaBOOM! Is a non-profit organization based in both Canada and the US that is bringing play back into the lives of children and building playgrounds. If you are thinking of updating your local park, be sure to visit their site for park design and grants.
Host a KaBOOM! Play Day in your community
By hosting a Play Day you’ll be joining thousands of other communities across Canada and the United States, (and all over the world) in making a stand for play. It can be what ever you fancy. It’s a block party, a back yard BBQ, and a service day all rolled into one—a turnkey event that helps you rally your community around play.
Plan your Play Day to take place on any day during the week of September 18 – 26, 2010
1. Have fun! First and foremost, your Play Day is about adults and kids coming together to have fun and enjoy games, fresh air, and good company.
2. Strengthen your community. In our busy lives, it can be hard to make time to spend with your neighbors, parents at your child’s school, or other important communities in your life. Joining forces to organize and participate in a Play Day strengthens community ties.
3. Improve your playground. Though not a required component, many Play Days include a service element so that you can leave your park or playground in better condition than it was when you arrived. This can involve planting flowers or trees, building new amenities like benches or picnic tables, painting murals, cleaning up, and much more!
4. Get grants. By using the Play Day Planner, you can apply for grants to help fund bigger improvement projects on your playground. Five Play Day grants will be available in 2010: one $10,000 First Place, one $7,500 Second Place and three $2,500 Runner-Ups.
5. Advocate for play. Play is on the decline. By participating in this program, you are helping spread the message that play is vital for North American children. It is also a great way to spread the word about your outdoor playgroup.
The KaBOOM! Play Day Planner will help you plan, organize, and execute your Play Day. For more info about KaBOOM! and play days, check it out a kaboom.org/playday
