Jeremy – whose sign rallied “Team Elmo” – was one of the many KaBOOM! team members who came to Delridge last July to help hundreds of community volunteers build the playfield’s new playground – seen here at the end of that amazing day:

Want to see this happen in YOUR neighborhood? Betsy Hoffmeister from Delridge (who catalyzed the Delridge Playfield-playground process after months of working on a proposal for a different site) and Ann Limbaugh from Admiral have both forwarded word that KaBOOM! is coming back to Seattle in 2010 to build another playground and looking for potential places to do it. They’re not just looking at West Seattle – they’re casting the net citywide – but Ann and Betsy both wanted to make sure the word got out as many places as possible, especially since the application deadline is less than two weeks away – read on for more specifics:

From the KaBOOM! e-mail –

We currently have a Funding Partner that will cover the majority of the funding as well as provide volunteers to help build a playground in Seattle, WA. in June 2010. We are working to identify non profit child serving community organizations that would benefit from and embrace the process of a community built playspace partnership.

An organization must meet the following criteria to qualify:

* Have no playground equipment or need to replace current playground equipment

* Fundraise $7500 USD towards the cost of equipment. We offer online webinars (www.kaboom.org/webinars) to assist with fundraising ideas.

* Provide at least 2500 sq. feet in available land and complete any needed site preparation, i.e. removing old equipment, asphalt, grading the land.

* Providing additional in kind responsibilities such as breakfast and lunch for Build Day, tools, restroom facilities, and a dumpster.

* Recruit 70-90 volunteers for Build Day and recruit parents who are excited about serving on planning committees for an 8-10 week period leading up to Build Day.

* Accept ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the playspace upon completion.

In return, your organization will:

* Receive a new custom designed playground! (See the attached sample playground design.)

* Establish an ongoing relationship with a Funding Partner throughout the planning process and for years after who is interested in having an impact on your community.

* Bring community members together as they work toward this common goal.

* Participate in a planning process that will teach you about fundraising, community building, media relations, etc. that can be used during future community projects.

The approximate 8-10 week planning process kicks off with a Design Day where children literally design their dream playgrounds, and culminates on Build Day where volunteers build the new playground. To be considered, please complete and submit the attached brief application with pictures via email by Tuesday, January 12th. Please forward this information to any others who may benefit. Visit
www.kaboom.org to learn more and contact me at 202-464-6183
or sjacobson@kaboom.org with any questions.

The application form can be downloaded here.