September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 13

Park and recreation systems have an
important role to play in addressing play
space inequity.
that reflect the unique needs and
aspirations of each neighborhood.
Centering the voices of those most
impacted by inequity ensures these
initiatives are not only sustainable,
but also transformative - fostering
a sense of ownership and pride
within communities that support
the active use of the play space and
its ongoing maintenance.
The Role of Park and
Recreation Professionals
Park and recreation systems have
an important role to play in addressing
play space inequity, and
a number of park and recreation
professionals already have made
significant progress in tackling the
issue. With expansive reach and
unique
resources,
these
can help move the vision forward.
Park systems in
Atlanta; Balsystems
have
the ability to champion inclusive
policies that prioritize equitable
access to play spaces.
Park and recreation departments
can identify areas with the greatest
need and allocate resources accordingly,
ensuring families with less
access receive attention and investment.
Assessing existing playgrounds
with respect to socioeconomic data
points, like the percentage of students
receiving free or reduced-price
lunch in a given neighborhood, is
one way to get started.
Moreover, these systems
can
partner with local organizations,
community groups and national
groups to amplify their impact and
leverage collective expertise in addressing
systemic barriers. Leveraging
data and partnerships can
help make the case to supporters,
advocates, funders and others who
timore; Prince George's County,
Maryland; San Francisco; and St.
Paul, Minnesota, are doing this,
partnering with KABOOM! as part
of the 25 in 5 Initiative to End Play
Space Inequity.
Each partner brings unique local
challenges and opportunities.
In Prince George's County, the
park
system, Maryland-National
Capital Park and Planning Commission,
has more than 230 playgrounds,
and almost 40 percent
of them are beyond their useful
life. So, they are actively working
with KABOOM! to swiftly build
new play spaces where there is the
greatest need to ensure all kids in
the county have amazing places
to play and learn. In St. Paul, the
emphasis is on equitable access to
active lifestyles and vibrant public
spaces. While the city has one of
the highest park scores in the country,
it also recognizes that inequity
still exists in access to play spaces,
and until this is true for all residents,
we have work to do.
By embracing their role as stewards
of public spaces, park and recreation
systems can meaningfully
improve the experience of childhood
across an entire community
and create stronger, more vibrant
neighborhoods.
A Call to Action
When every kid can grow up experiencing
the benefits of play, we
will have richer, thriving communities
and generations of happy and
healthy kids. Whether as individuals,
communities or institutions,
each of us has a role in solving
play space inequity. By amplifying
diverse voices, advocating for
equitable policies, and supporting
initiatives that prioritize play space
equity, we can work collectively
toward a future where every child
grows up happy and healthy.
Playgrounds are not just a matter
of infrastructure. Addressing the
root causes of inequity and empowering
communities to lead the
way, we can create a world where
every child, regardless of race or
background, has the freedom to
play, explore and dream without
limitations.
Kevin Paul is Associate Director of Thought Leadership at
KABOOM! (kpaul@kaboom.org).
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | SEP T EMBER 2 0 2 4 | Parks & Recreation
13
PHOTO COURTESY OF SAINT PAUL (MINNESOTA) PARKS AND RECREATION
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2024 – Parks & Recreation
