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Creating Kid-Friendly Streetscapes

KaBOOM! is inspiring cities across the country to transform infrastructure as playful opportunities that engage kids by being wondrous, challenging, convenient, inviting, shared and unifying. Whether it’s on a sidewalk, waiting at a bus stop, or riding the train, moments of potential frustration can become moments of play, joy, and wonder. During the tour we will play our way in two of Chicago’s southeast communities, South Shore and South Chicago. In South Shore we will visit a KaBOOM! playground to discuss the youth-centered approach in its design but also the complex access challenges that have led us to make a national call to Play Everywhere. In South Chicago, along the “main street” of Commercial Avenue, the City of Chicago is working with a community coalition led by World Sport Chicago to bring playful placemaking where children are challenged to play outside for fear of traffic, lack of supervision, and gang activity. It’s time that our city infrastructure signals to kids that they are valued, that they are a part of our communities and that we care about their happiness, health, and development. Join us as we walk through the memories of what play means to childhood, imagine what our streetscapes can look like when we design with kids in mind, and learn the best practices in creating playful streetscapes filled with joy.

Modes: Shuttle, Walking