San Bernardino teams up to end inequality

San Bernardino is helping to end inequality through building play spaces. With the help of the LA Kings, LA Galaxy, and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians collaborating with KABOOM!, a national nonprofit, a new playground was completed and opened at Lionel E. Hudson Park.

Kids in the community helped in the Design Day event in January of 2020. They contributed drawings of their dream playgrounds. Using the designs as inspiration, this new play space now includes a wheelchair glider, swing, climbing objects, logic games, and slides. There are ADA-compliant ramps and sidewalks. With COVID-19 restrictions being relaxed, a ceremony and unveiling celebration will take place Saturday, May 22, at 11 a.m.

“It has been a difficult year for everyone, especially for our children who have shown their resilience with smiles at drive-thru programs offered in the local community,” said Jim Tickemyr, City of San Bernardino Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. “This new playground will bring children of all abilities together to play and laugh. To see children at play once again will be music to our hearts.”

San Manuel contributed $200,000 to support San Bernardino and Inland Empire communities. Contributions from LA Kings, the Galaxy, and KABOOM! also helped make the project possible. To make sure playgrounds open safely, KABOOM! offered important playground guidance to owners/operators, and caregivers to follow. To view or download the guidance at kaboom.org/reopen