YWCA, Kaboom! and Welly strive to end playspace inequity

MEDIA ADVISORY:(Minneapolis, Minn.) – YWCA Minneapolis is pleased to announce the construction and unveiling of a brand new, kid-designed playground, July 15, along the resurging corridor of East Lake Street at YWCA Midtown. For the first time since 2017, children participating in programming at this location, in the heart of the Corcoran neighborhood, will have a play structure on par with privileged peers, anywhere. Volunteers will assemble the structure morning to early afternoon with ribbon-cutting ceremony to follow the same day. Media are invited.WHEN:  Friday, July 158am-2:30pm – Volunteers construct playground. Media welcome.2:30pm – Ribbon cutting ceremony and photo opsWHERE:  YWCA Minneapolis Midtown, 2121 E. Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55407WHAT:  Meet and speak with representatives from YWCA Minneapolis, Welly,KABOOM! to learn more about the creation of the community designedplayground at YWCA Minneapolis Midtown.Media may collect photos and b-roll of volunteers constructing the playground.INTERVIEWS:  YWCA Minneapolis President and CEO Shelley Carthen Watson, and YWCAMinneapolis Vice President of Early Childhood Education, Stephanie Thomaswill offer remarks and answer questions at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.ADDITIONAL INFO:Volunteers from Blue Cross Blue Shield and funding partner Welly are constructing a kid-designed PLAYGROUND/MULTISPORT COURT to ensure kids have a safe, inclusive place to play. This is part of a nationwide effort by KABOOM! to ensure high-quality play spaces are available to every child, especially in communities of color. This project will provide a state-of-the-art playground to more than 300 children each year.In May, children of YWCA Minneapolis Early Childhood Education program shared drawings of their dream play spaces with project organizers. These ideas were integrated into the new playground design. Community members led the creation of the playground, from design to installation.CONTACT:Lisa Ramirez, YWCA Minneapolis Strategic Communications Specialist612.215.4107 (VM direct to email.)lramirez@ywcampls.org###About YWCA MinneapolisYWCA Minneapolis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women and girls. For 130 years, we have worked to create opportunities to overcome social injustice, particularly in matters of race and gender. Last year, YWCA Minneapolis served more than 30,000 people in our community through high-quality programs and advocacy focused on racial justice, early learning, youth development and wellness. To learn more, visit ywcampls.org or join the conversation at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.About WellyFrom the creative minds that brought you Method and OLLY Nutrition, comes Welly, a premium line of first aid supplies. Don't worry about that scratch or scrape, bee sting, or splinter, Welly has your back, and your elbows, and your knees. Welly's premium materials, bold designs, reusable and recyclable packaging make first aid fun, durable and perfect for active lifestyle seekers of all ages. For more information, visit www.GetWelly.com and follow the social conversation on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @getwelly #GetWellyAbout 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 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, the $250 million plan 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.Issued July 11, 2022