A Gallup Organization study on playground use in the US, commissioned by KaBOOM! and The Home Depot, randomly surveyed 1,200 individuals nationwide on several topics including access to playgrounds and their maintenance as well as the benefits of playground use. Among the findings:

• Less than half of American children have a playground within walking distance of their homes;
• Sixty-one percent of Americans say simple lack of access to a playground is a barrier to their children playing on one;
• One in three people feel there are not enough playgrounds in their community to serve the number of children who live there;
• One in four Americans say the location of the nearest playground was an important factor in their decision to choose where they currently live.
• Only one in two households believe the nearest playground is in very good condition and is well-maintained.
• Two of three surveyed agree that using a playground is a deterrent to watching television.

Kids need playgrounds! Learn how to make it happen at WE Play!

KaBOOM!, a national non-profit that empowers communities to build playgrounds, is hosting a free regional playground training called WE Play! in Chicago on May 16 at the Marriott Chicago at Medical District/UIC.

At WE Play! you’ll get:

• Guidance on how to build a playground in a day with volunteers from your community
• Research to build your case for play
• Proven fundraising techniques and planning strategies to get the job done
• Tried-and-true ways to engage the community
• The opportunity to meet other local and national activists who share your commitment to kids

Sign up today at kaboom.org/weplay.