Foss Park, Discover and KABOOM! partner to build new park in Waukegan
On Sept. 25, the Foss Park District unveiled a children-designed, community-built playground at Twin City Park at Washington Park and 12th Street in Waukegan. The park was built in partnership with Discover and KABOOM!
KABOOM! envisions a world where safe and amazing places to play exist for every child in America so that kids can grow up happy and healthy.
This new playspace with Foss Park District and Discover 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 child can experience the numerous physical, social and mental health benefits of play regardless of background or where they live.
Community members led the creation of the playground, from design to installation. In June, children from Foss Park District shared drawings of their dream playspaces with project organizers. These ideas were integrated into the new playground design. The project represents progress in ensuring every kid has a place to play, providing a state-of-the-art playground for more than 800 children to enjoy each year.
Discover is providing support for the new Twin City Park playground through its partnership with KABOOM!, furthering its commitment to ending playspace inequity. Including this playground build, Discover has funded 50 playground builds and provided thousands of volunteers to build playgrounds with KABOOM! across the country.
“Discover has worked with KABOOM! for nearly 30 years, and during that time, we’ve supported builds throughout the country, including around the Chicagoland area, where many of our employees live and work,” said Alyse Perkowitz, Community Affairs Senior Manager at Discover. “The impact from this build will extend well beyond today, and we’re honored to help provide access and bring joy to the lives of children in the Waukegan area.”
This year, Discover is celebrating the 50th build with KABOOM!
In 2022, KABOOM! launched the 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity, the five-year plan to accelerate efforts toward achieving their mission.
To learn how partners can join KABOOM! in their efforts, visit kaboom.org/25-in-5.