Swing Forward

Today’s new story:City of New Orleans Unveils “The Big Green Easy” Parks PlanCitations:https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/LANOLA/bulletins/38b69b7About Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen DeMelo. About KABOOM! 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 communi...

Today’s new story:Mankato and Mdewakanton Dakota Unite for Cultural Playground: Public Feedback SoughtCitations:https://bnnbreaking.com/world/us/mankato-and-mdewakanton-dakota-unite-for-cultural-playground-public-feedback-soughtAbout Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen DeMelo. About KABOOM! KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity – the reality that qu...

Today’s new story:St. Paul City Council passes $45.1 million in street, park improvements through new sales taxCitations:https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/st-paul-city-council-funds-45-1-million-in-street-park-improvements-through-new-sales-tax/About Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen DeMelo. About KABOOM! KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity...

Today’s new story:NRPA Launches Sustainability in Practice Cohort ProgramCitations:https://www.nrpa.org/blog/nrpa-launches-sustainability-in-practice-cohort-program/About Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen DeMelo. About KABOOM! KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity – the reality that quality places to play are not available to every child, especial...

Today’s new story:Pepsico’s Gatorade introduces ‘Turf Finder’ initiativeCitations:https://www.financialexpress.com/business/brandwagon-pepsicos-gatorade-introduces-turf-finder-initiative-3410114/About Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen DeMelo. About KABOOM! KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity – the reality that quality places to play are not avai...

Today’s new story:Twice-Displaced Ukrainian Family Thrives in Bohuslav, Establishes Businesses and Kids' PlaygroundBLOOM Charity mobilizes in crisis situationsCitations:https://bnnbreaking.com/world/ukraine/twice-displaced-ukrainian-family-thrives-in-bohuslav-establishes-businesses-and-kids-playgroundhttps://bloomcharity.org/mobilizing-for-palestine/About Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal a...

Today’s new stories:Governor Sanders announces $4.34 million to support local recreation facilitiesCitations:https://www.kait8.com/2024/02/20/governor-sanders-announces-434-million-support-local-recreation-facilities/About Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen DeMelo. About KABOOM! KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity – the reality that quality place...

Today’s new story:Dallas voters could weigh in on $1.25 billion bond package as soon as MayCitations:https://www.keranews.org/news/2024-02-13/dallas-voters-could-weigh-in-on-1-25-billion-bond-package-as-soon-as-mayAbout Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen DeMelo. About KABOOM! KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity – the reality that quality places t...

Today’s new stories:1. Climate change is making it more dangerous for kids to play outside, report findsCitations:https://thehill.com/policy/equilibrium-sustainability/4456878-climate-change-is-making-it-more-dangerous-for-kids-to-play-outside-report-finds/About Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen DeMelo. About KABOOM! KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace i...

Today’s new stories:1. Gov. Pritzker, IDNR announce $54.9M in grants for 111 local park and recreation projectsCitations:https://www.wandtv.com/news/gov-pritzker-idnr-announce-54-9m-in-grants-for-111-local-park-and-recreation-projects/article_90ba2614-bfa2-11ee-8619-abd6e5c95ad1.htmlAbout Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen DeMelo. About KABOOM! KABOOM! is the national nonprofit comm...

Today’s new stories:1. Temporary Lahaina school to receive world-class playground2. At FDR Park’s new playground, designers say being a little scared is kind of the pointCitations:https://mauinow.com/2024/02/09/temporary-lahaina-school-to-receive-world-class-playground/https://www.inquirer.com/life/fdr-park-new-playground-swings-20240210.htmlAbout Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen D...

Today’s new stories:1. US cities’ outlook for 20242. To Help Grantees Win Infrastructure Dollars, Business as Usual Won’t Cut ItCitations:https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/smart-cities-trends-outlook-2024/706060/https://www.philanthropy.com/article/to-help-grantees-win-infrastructure-dollars-business-as-usual-wont-cut-itAbout Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen DeMelo. About KABOO...

Today’s new stories:1. Six-Year CUNY Study on Community Parks Initiative Finds Renovated Parks Can Uplift Neighborhoods2. Marine science-themed playground with giant climbable fish opens in Hudson River Park3. Lead found in soil at Trenton elementary school playground; students to be tested4. State taking no further action on lead levels in Wappingers Falls playground5. New Jersey Establishes Nonprofit Parks and Open Space FoundationCitations:https://thecitylife.org/2024/01/25/six-year-cuny-s...

Today’s new stories:1. Lincoln to upgrade playgrounds using Land and Water Conservation Fund grant2. Lilly Endowment commits $80 million for improvements to Indianapolis parks3. Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Awards $20.6 Million in Local Park Grants4. 6 new parks coming to Denver neighborhoods5. KABOOM! Senior Advisor Isaac Castillo discusses our Playspace Inequity Prioritization Index with public radio in MichiganCitations:https://www.1011now.com/2024/01/23/seven-lincoln-playgrounds-un...

Today’s new story:1. Joya Playground lights up Farmers Branch, TXCitations:https://kkyr.com/amazing-glow-in-the-dark-playground-opens-in-texas/https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/glow-in-the-dark-playground-opens-in-farmers-branch/3440389/About Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen DeMelo. About KABOOM! KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity – the realit...

Today’s new stories:1. Punk Kid Sets up Sharpie Tattoo Shop in Playground TunnelCitations:https://thehardtimes.net/culture/punk-kid-sets-up-sharpie-tattoo-shop-in-playground-tunnel/About Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen DeMelo. About KABOOM! KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity – the reality that quality places to play are not available to every...

Today’s new stories:1. Stockton, CA residents demand more places to play2. Parents and librarians debate the value of playgrounds at libraries3. 77 schools in Dakshina Kannada lack playgrounds4. Start-ups form the Decarbonized Cement and Concrete Alliance (DC2)Citations:https://www.recordnet.com/story/news/politics/government/2024/01/15/stockton-moves-forward-with-inclusive-playground/72196924007/https://ca.movies.yahoo.com/parents-librarians-face-off-online-112600869.htmlhttps://timesofindia...

Today’s new stories:1. Budget cuts in Massachusetts impact funding for local playspace projects2. Cleveland parks and rec master-planning process reveals need for prioritizing maintenance3. Concerns raised over environmental and public health effects of poured-in-place surfacing4. New natural playground comes to Cambridge, NZ5. Bangladesh Minister for Youth and Sports calls for more open playgroundsCitations:https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/01/westfield-library-childrens-museum-pla...

Today’s new stories:1. Illinois announces $28M for public recreation projects2. Colorado continues to use lottery revenue to fund outdoor recreation3. Teens caught on video vandalizing Tennessee playground4. Stockton to replace playground in park that was the site of a fatal shootingCitations:https://www.einpresswire.com/article/680425756/28-million-awarded-for-local-park-and-recreational-facility-projectshttps://www.cpr.org/2024/01/08/colorado-lottery-funds-state-parks-wildlife-and-rec/https...

Today’s new stories:1. NRPA issues report on economic impact of parks and recreationCitations:https://www.nrpa.org/EconomicImpact/About Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hosted by James Siegal and Jen DeMelo. About KABOOM! 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 1...

Today’s new stories:1. NYS gets disaster fund to build new playgrounds and prepare park for next extreme weather event2. Ohio to convert 6 abandoned mines into recreation areas3. Milwaukee public schools converting asphalt schoolyards to green infrastructure4. Gun rights advocates challenge New Mexico Governor’s emergency orders temporarily banning firearms at playgrounds and parksCitations:https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-1-million-in-fe...

Today’s new stories:1. Napa resident complains about use of public art funds for playground2. Westfield, MA City Council rejects use of Community Preservation Act funds for elementary school playground3. NYC opens new park in East New YorkCitations:https://napavalleyregister.com/opinion/letters/letter-public-art-funds-shouldnt-be-spent-on-playgrounds/article_1171fd36-a112-11ee-b3fa-ff13a386f5d1.htmlhttps://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2023/12/westfield-city-council-rejects-cpa-funding-for-p...

Today’s new stories:1. California announces new grants for outdoor recreation spaces2. Baltimore uses $5M of ARPA funding for new playspaces3. Wind turbines being repurposed as playgroundsCitations:https://www.oakdaleleader.com/news/california-parks-grants-expand-outdoor-access-across-state/https://mayor.baltimorecity.gov/news/press-releases/2023-12-14-city-utilizing-arpa-funding-upgrade-several-playgrounds-connectionhttps://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/01/03/benches-playgrounds-and-bike-...

In this first season of Swing Forward, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo of KABOOM! speak with leading playground manufacturers in the US and around the world about the playground industry and advancing playspace equity. In this episode, we welcome back our CEO Lysa Ratliff to recap the first season and talk about topics we plan to cover going forward.BIO:In early 2021, Lysa M. Ratliff became the newest CEO of KABOOM!, the national non-profit that works to end playspace inequity. For good....

In this first season of Swing Forward, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo of KABOOM! speak with leading playground manufacturers in the US and around the world about the playground industry and advancing playspace equity. In this episode, we talk with Adam Bienenstock of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds about his vision for biophilic cities with abundant opportunities for kids to play and how connecting kids with nature is an answer to the pressing issues of our time, from youth wellness to ...

In this first season of Swing Forward, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo of KABOOM! speak with leading playground manufacturers in the US and around the world about the playground industry and advancing playspace equity. In this episode, we talk with Lukas Steinke of Berliner about everything from building playgrounds that magically light up to meeting the playspace needs of refugee families in Europe.BIO:Lukas Steinke was born in Poland in 1975. He moved to Germany later in his life where...

In this first season of Swing Forward, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo of KABOOM! speak with leading playground manufacturers in the US and around the world about the playground industry and advancing playspace equity. In this episode, we talk with Tom Norquist of PlayCore about how, in his words, playgrounds are the great equalizer that build empathy and compassion. BIO:Tom Norquist is Senior Vice President of Innovation & Business Development at PlayCore and has been involved in al...

In this first season of Swing Forward, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo of KABOOM! speak with leading playground manufacturers in the US and around the world about the playground industry and advancing playspace equity. In this episode, we talk with Ole Barslund Nielsen of MONSTRUM about how his company builds unique, custom playgrounds that become the central gathering places in communities. BIO: Ole Barslund Nielsen holds a Master’s degree from The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and ...

In this first season of Swing Forward, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo of KABOOM! speak with leading playground manufacturers in the US and around the world about the playground industry and advancing playspace equity. In this episode, we talk with Sarah Lisiecki of Burke about how Burke’s product development is inspired by the “cans” -- what kids can do, not their limitations. BIO: Sarah Lisiecki is Communication & Education Manager at Burke. She combines a passion for play, the out...

In this first season of Swing Forward, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo of KABOOM! speak with leading playground manufacturers in the US and around the world about the playground industry and advancing playspace equity. In this episode, we talk with former colleague Dave Flanigan of Lappset about how his company aims to strike the right balance with playground technology and how he sees playgrounds as a platform for learning. BIO:Dave Flanigan is US National Sales Director for Finnis...

In this first season of Swing Forward, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo of KABOOM! speak with leading playground manufacturers in the US and around the world about the playground industry and advancing playspace equity. In this episode, we talk with Joe Palermo of PlayPower about how his company approaches building playgrounds, how children inform the playgrounds they build, and why that matters. BIO: Joe Palermo is the vice president of New Product Design at PlayPower, Inc., th...

In this first season of Swing Forward, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo of KABOOM! speak with leading playground manufacturers in the US and around the world about the playground industry and advancing playspace equity. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Suzanne Flannery Quinn and Jay Cooke of KOMPAN about their research-based approach to driving childhood development outcomes and embracing their role as environmental stewards through the playgrounds they build.Dr. Suzanne Flannery Quinn, ...

In this first season of Swing Forward, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo of KABOOM! speak with leading playground manufacturers in the US and around the world about the playground industry and advancing playspace equity. In this episode, we talk with Scott Roschi of Landscape Structures about how he and his colleagues pay attention to the little details–from paint colors to signage–to make each playground unique. Scott also lifts our sights to recognize playgrounds as “our last democratic ...

In this first of Swing Forward, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo of KABOOM! speak with leading playground manufacturers in the U.S. and around the world about the playground industry and advancing playspace equity. In this episode, we talk with Nathan Schleicher about Earthscape Play's approach to building custom-made, wood-forward playgrounds that capture the imagination and are responsive to community needs.Nathan SchleicherCreative Director, Earthscape PlayNathan Schleicher is an Ameri...

In this first season of Swing Forward, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo of KABOOM! speak with leading playground manufacturers in the U.S. and around the world about the playground industry and advancing playspace equity. In this first episode, we talk with our colleague, KABOOM! CEO Lysa Ratliff, about our mission and what brought her to this work.Lysa Ratliff CEO, KABOOM! In early 2021, Lysa M. Ratliff became the newest CEO of KABOOM!, the national non-profit that works to end play...

Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity. In this first season, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo speak with leading playground manufacturers in the U.S. and around the world about the playground industry and its role in addressing societal challenges. Here's a teaser with our guests thoughts on why every kid deserves a great playground.About Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and...

Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity. In this first season, co-hosts James Siegal and Jen DeMelo speak with leading playground manufacturers in the U.S. and around the world about the playground industry and its role in addressing societal challenges. Here's a teaser of what to look forward to this season. About Swing Forward Swing Forward is a podcast series from KABOOM! on the future of playgrounds and playspace equity, co-hos...