A clean playspace will get more frequent use than a dirty playspace. Arm yourself with trash bags and gloves and start tidying up. Better yet, organize a playground cleanup to build community awareness.
Community Building Tips
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If you have the open space, make your playground an event center for the community. Open it up to walk-a-thons, carnivals, field days, 10k runs, and other community activities.
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Create a play committee to organize community events and advocacy initiatives. Reach out personally to like-minded neighbors, co-workers, PTA members, fellow soccer moms and dads, even your friends at the gym. Personal invitations make prospective members feel special.
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Organize a playground or park watch with a friend or your play committee. Plan regular trips to the local park to make sure the kids are safe and people aren’t committing vandalism, and report any suspicious activity. Make a habit of it and people will start to see the park as a safe place to bring their kids.
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Use online networks, like Connect.KaBOOM.org or Meetup.com, to find or create a local playgroup in your community.
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Plan a “Play Day” to get the entire community together and draw attention to the importance of play. It can be as simple as having everyone meet at the playground for a few hours, or as big as a daylong event filled with food, games, and prizes.
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Want to make play a priority in your community? Visit KaBOOM.org to learn how to become a local play advocate.
