KABOOM! Playground Build
Museum created a new state-of-the-art playground in our Downtown location's backyard from September 20-22, 2021.
Published on September 24, 2021
In just three short days, with the help of over 100 volunteers, KABOOM!, and The CarMax Foundation, the Children’s Museum created a new state-of-the-art playground in our Downtown location’s backyard from September 20-22, 2021. This playground will be utilized by hundreds of children and families at the Children’s Museum of Richmond, including students from the YWCA Sprout School who attend daycare at the Museum.
In September, kids from the YWCA Sprout School and greater Richmond community shared drawings of their dream playspaces with us, and their ideas were integrated into the new playground design. “Our YWCA Sprout School friends and children from the Richmond community dreamed of this playground, and now their dreams become reality,” said Danielle Ripperton, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum.
For months, CMoR, The CarMax Foundation and KABOOM!, the nonprofit organization focused on ending playspace inequity, have been working together on this design. What started as children’s sketches and a catalog of playground equipment is now a brand new way to play at the Children’s Museum!
The Children’s Museum of Richmond is dedicated to supporting and enhancing diverse ways to learn through play. After a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for hands-on, engaging learning opportunities is greater than ever. Play connects a child with their imagination, their family, and the world, encouraging learning that serves them well throughout their lives. We look forward to creating new experiences for children and caregivers to engage in play in a safe learning environment through our new playground. “Play is essential for children – in fact, it’s their number one job! We are thrilled, and most grateful, to partner with The CarMax Foundation, and KABOOM! to build this playspace,” continues Danielle.
On Wednesday, September 22, we were joined by volunteers, board members, KABOOM! and The CarMax Foundation representatives, and Governor and First Lady Northam to celebrate this exciting new way to play at CMoR. The playground will be officially open for play starting Wednesday, September 29th.
Check out the timelapse below to see the amazing team of volunteers, staff, KABOOM!, and The CarMax Foundation bring the playspace to life.