Utah Community Action and the city of South Salt Lake have partnered up to unveil a kid-designed, community-built playground with DISCOVER and KABOOM! at South Salt Lake Community Center. 

This new play space is part of a nationwide effort led by KABOOM! to end play space inequity. Many children 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 kid can experience the many physical, social and mental health benefits of play regardless of background or where they live. 

“We believe in the power of community to unify, heal and rebuild, and they lie at the heart of our work and mission,” said KABOOM! officials on their website. “By emphasizing trust and collaboration, we aim to ensure that each KABOOM! playground addresses community-defined outcomes and play space inequity on the neighborhood level, contributing to a stronger, more cohesive community in the long term.” 

Community members led the creation of the playground on Aug. 1, from design to installation. In May, kids from the Utah Community Action Head Start Program and Promise South Salt Lake Hser Ner Moo Center shared drawings of their dream play spaces with project organizers. Those ideas were then integrated into the new playground design. 

“This project represents progress in ensuring every kid has a place to play, providing a state-of-the-art playground for more than 522 children to enjoy each year,” said South Salt Lake officials in a statement. 

The new KABOOM! play space is located at Bickley Park, 2508 S. 500 East, next to the South Salt Lake Community Center. It will be used by Head Start students during the week and will be open to the public during evenings and weekends. λ