There will soon be brand new play spaces for kids and families all across Western New York, thanks to the partnership between KABOOM! and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.


What You Need To Know

  • Nonprofit KABOOM! recently announced Build to Play grants
  • Chautauqua Institution installing an adventure and nature trail
  • Past winners include the City of Jamestown, Breakwater Project

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"This is really an opportunity for us to be able to offer a new element of play for the local community," said Alyssa Porter, Chautauqua Institution director of Youth and Family Programs.

That element of play is set to come in the form of a new multi-use adventure trail and nature course complete with obstacles for mud runs at Chautauqua Golf Club, across from Chautauqua Institution. 

After submitting designs and location pictures, the Institution was recently named one of 19 winners of KABOOM!'s Play Everywhere Design Challenge, and awarded a $63,000 grant from the national nonprofit dedicated to helping provide play space equity for children in underserved communities.

"We have something really unique when it comes to an adventure trail. We really want to incorporate all of our pillars, education, recreation, art and religion as part of the experience," said Porter.

"Play is a critical resource for kids. We know kids love to play and it's very important for healthy development. No matter their economic status, their race or their zip code, have access to safe and great places to play," said Leah Fox, KABOOM! Foundations and Initiatives associate director.

Leaders with KABOOM! and its Built To Play Initiative are supported through the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.

Together, they invite communities across Western New York and Southeast Michigan to submit innovative ideas for enhancing play, especially in the midst of the pandemic. 

"The pandemic has removed kids form their day to day schedules, from school and friends and in some cases from family. This program gives them a sense of hope. It shows them that they matter. And it's a reinvestment in recreation and free play," said Fox.

"It's a piece of artwork, but it's also cool and interactive," said Jeff Lehman, Jamestown Public Works director.

The City of Jamestown is a past KABOOM! grant winner for its Breakwater Project at the mouth of the Riverwalk bike path on 8th Street.

Leaders say the money was used to install the spongy ground material that holds three concrete dolos, which are placed in bodies of water to help prevent coastal erosion. 

"The kids come down the, down the Riverwalk, they see it. ‘Wow, what's that.’ They climb on it. They lay on it. You know, it's kids being kids. And it's a fun piece," said Lehman.

Chautauqua Institution leaders will now look to create their own fun, putting on their boots, tromping through the woods and planning out the trail.

They'll also be looking for input from local kids and artists to help in the design.

"Those types of things that kids and families can come out and play on and enjoy nature," said Porter.

The Institution looks to break ground later this spring and cut the ribbon in October.

Other regional grant recipients include Houghton College in Allegany County and Randolph Area Development Corporation in Cattaraugus County.