News: KABOOM! and Discover to Build New Playspace at Elks Park with Ridgeville Park District
| Date Published |
Author |
| 6/12/2025 12:00:00 AM |
Alison Rodes |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Alison Rodes
Phone: 847-869-5640
Email: arodes@ridgeville.org
Date: June 11, 2025
KABOOM! and Discover to Build New Playspace
at Elks Park with Ridgeville Park District
100+ volunteers will build in one day on September 24
Evanston, IL — Ridgeville Park District is thrilled to announce a collaboration with KABOOM!, the national nonprofit working to end playspace inequity, and Discover, to build a new, community-designed playspace at south Evanston’s Elks Park this fall.
In preparation for the upcoming build, Ridgeville Park District is inviting input from local kids and families through an online survey. The goal? To help shape a dynamic new playspace that reflects the needs, energy, and imagination of neighborhood youth—especially those ages 7–12. (A tot lot for younger children is already located just across the street from Elks Park.) The Elks Park Dream Playspace Survey is now available at https://tinyurl.com/MyElksPlayspace
The project will culminate in a hands-on Build Day on Wednesday, September 24, when community volunteers will come together to bring the new playspace to life — all in one incredible day.
“This collaboration represents the heart of what Ridgeville Park District stands for — engaging our neighbors to build vibrant spaces that reflect our community’s imagination,” said Marlon Rodas, Executive Director at Ridgeville Park District. “We’re grateful to KABOOM! and Discover for helping make this dream a reality.”
KABOOM! has built or improved more than 17,000 playspaces across the country, focusing on equity and access for kids in every zip code. With Discover’s generous support and the creativity of Ridgeville families, this project will deliver a joyful, inclusive space that encourages play, connection, and outdoor fun for years to come.
"Ridgeville continues to provide outstanding parks and programming in south Evanston, and with the support of partners like KABOOM! and Discover, our neighborhood can realize new and engaging spaces for Evanston youth to play and learn,” adds Evanston 8th Ward Alderman Matt Rodgers. Rodgers encourages residents around Elks Park and throughout the community to take the survey to help design the new playspace, give feedback about final design options, and join with Ridgeville, KABOOM! and Discover employees on September 24 for Build Day.
For updates and ways to get involved, visit www.ridgeville.org.
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About Ridgeville Park District
The Ridgeville Park District serves Evanston’s 8th Ward and surrounding neighborhoods, offering inclusive programs, vibrant events, and welcoming green spaces that connect our diverse community.
About Elks Park
Elks Park is situated at 301 Callan Ave., at Mulford Street and Callan Avenue in south Evanston. Currently, the large park is home to a baseball diamond and a community garden.
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 1996, KABOOM! has partnered with kids and communities to create or transform 17,000+ playspaces and ensure that more than 12 million kids have equitable access to the critical benefits and opportunities that playspaces offer. KABOOM! continues to make progress on its 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity through new partnerships with a goal of accelerating efforts in 25 municipal systems toward achieving their mission at scale across the United States. Learn more at?kaboom.org?or join the conversation on?Facebook,?Instagram, and?LinkedIn.
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