City of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania Municipal League and KABOOM! Unveil Kid-Designed, Community-Built Playground at Hoberman Park
Lock Haven joins forces with The League to advance playspace equity in Lock Haven
Lock Haven, PA (August 5, 2024) – On Saturday, children and teens at Hoberman Park in Lock Haven celebrated the debut of a new kid-designed playground. The months-long collaboration culminated last week as volunteers installed the new playspace which will spark joy and foster a sense of belonging for kids in Lock Haven. It was made possible through the partnership between the City of Lock Haven, The League, and KABOOM!, along with the generous support of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), First Quality, Highmark, Geisinger and Sons and Daughters of Italy.
“The League is thrilled to help build a new playground in Hoberman Park with the City of Lock Haven, KABOOM!, DCNR and our outstanding funding partners,” said League Executive Director John Brenner. “Safe playspaces are critically important to children, families and neighborhoods.”
“Parks and recreation are pillars of a strong community. I’m excited as we move to the build stage of a wonderful community project,” said Lock Haven Mayor Joel Long.
Community members led the creation of the playground, from design to installation. In May, kids from Lock Haven shared drawings of their dream playspaces with project organizers. These ideas were integrated into the new playground design.
“Kids of all abilities should have the opportunity to play and have fun! DCNR is proud to support this rehabilitation project at Hoberman Park with thanks to the city of Lock Haven for prioritizing healthy outdoor recreation opportunities for all,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “Thank you to the Pennsylvania Municipal League and KABOOM! for always being wonderful partners in our shared goal of expanding access to local parks and recreation in Pennsylvania’s urban areas.”
“Hoberman Park is a place for families and children to gather and play, and now they will be able to enjoy a brand new playground that was designed for and by the community,” said Diane Renninger, senior project administrator, for First Quality. “Our team members who rolled up their sleeves for the build had a wonderful experience making the designs a reality, and it’s amazing what all the volunteers were able to accomplish together.”
This playground 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 kid can experience the numerous physical, social, and mental health benefits of play regardless of background or where they live. In 2022, KABOOM! launched the 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity, the five-year initiative to accelerate efforts towards achieving their mission to end playspace inequity for good across the United States. This project represents progress in ensuring every kid has a place to play, providing a state-of-the-art playground for children to enjoy each year.
“Playgrounds are where kids can experience the wide range of physical and mental benefits of play, and have the freedom to take risks, build strong relationships, grow, explore, and learn through joyful moments of play,” said Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!. “KABOOM! is thrilled to work with our partners at the Pennsylvania Municipal League to bring to life the new playspace and ensure that kids in Lock Haven and generations to come have a vibrant place to play designed for them to enjoy childhood and unlock their greatest potential.”
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About City of Lock Haven
The City of Lock Haven is a 3rd Class City in Central Pennsylvania. The city is home to about 8,500 residents and boasts views of the West Branch Susquehanna River. The small town is complemented by Commonwealth University – Lock Haven Campus, many locally owned businesses and restaurants, and various community events and activities for all ages. | www.lockhavenpa.gov
About Pennsylvania Municipal League
The Pennsylvania Municipal League strengthens and empowers effective local government through advocacy, education, and support for our members. The League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established in 1900 as an advocate for Pennsylvania’s 3rd class cities. Today, The League represents Pennsylvania cities, boroughs, townships, and home rule communities that all share their municipal policy interests. The Board of Directors oversees the administration of a wide array of municipal services including legislative advocacy, publications, education/training, consulting-based programs, and group insurance trusts. For more information, please visit PML.org. Join the conversation on Twitter @PAMunicipalLeag, #StrengthThroughEngagement, facebook.com/PaMunicipalLeague and LinkedIn.
KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity – the reality that quality places to play are not available to every child, especially in communities of color. Since 1996, KABOOM! has partnered with kids and communities to build or improve 17,000+ playspaces and ensure that nearly 12 million kids have equitable access to the crucial benefits and opportunities that playspaces offer. In 2022, KABOOM! launched the 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity to accelerate its mission in 25 high-priority locations over five years. Learn more at kaboom.org or join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
CONTACT:
City of Lock Haven: Abbey Roberts | 570-893-5903 | aroberts@lockhavenpa.gov
The League: Debbie Bitting | 717-236-9469, x*223 | dbitting@pml.org
KABOOM!: | media@kaboom.org