KABOOM! is a national nonprofit that works to end playspace inequity. For good.

KABOOM! works with communities to build incredible, kid-designed playspaces. Kids who don't have access to a place to play miss out on childhood and are denied critical opportunities to build physical, social and emotional health. We envision a world where every kid can get the play they need to thrive, regardless of race, zip code and family income.

For more than two decades, we've teamed up with bold, inspiring partners and community members, starting with the kids themselves, to understand each neighborhood's unique aspirations. Then we build incredible places to play, inspired by their design, courage and leadership.

We amplify the power of communities to build inspiring playspaces that spark unlimited opportunities for every kid, everywhere. Our mission: End playspace inequity.

For good.

Over the last 23 years, we've built or improved 17,000+ playspaces, engaged more than 1.5 million community members and brought joy to over 11 million kids. As we look to the future, we'll continue our efforts to build collective action and community opportunity, spark hope and enable kids to reach their full potential. And we promise that we won't stop until we put an end to playspace inequity. For good.

17,000+ playspaces built/improved 1.5 million+ volunteers engaged 11 million+ kids served Since founding. Current as of January 2020

Our History

After reading a newspaper story about how four-year old lesha and her younger brother Clendon had their lives cut short because they lacked a safe play to play, our founder, Darell Hammond, was struck by the heart-wrenching realization of just how urgently these kids needed play — it was literally a matter of life and death. Read more about our founding.

Darell Hammond founded KABOOM!, and served as CEO for 20 years. Now under the leadership of CEO James Siegal, KABOOM! inspires communities across the country to make it easier for all kids to get the play they need to grow up happy, resilient and ready for life.

Accreditation