This was the 16th playground built together by Smile Generation and KABOOM since 2010.
IRVINE, CALIF. November 19, 2021 – More than 60 volunteers from Smile Generation®, KABOOM! and the local community joined together to build a kid-designed playground in only one day for the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley in Alhambra, California. The playground opened Nov. 15.
Notable officials who attended the event included: Ed Chau, California State Assemblymember, 49th District; Susan Rubio, California State Senator; Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Supervisor, and Sasha Renée Pérez, Mayor of Alhambra.
This was the 16th playground that Smile Generation and KABOOM!, a national non-profit focused on ending playspace inequity, have built together since 2010. Each year, Smile Generation and KABOOM! identify a playground-needy region and location from around the country; the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley was chosen for 2021. In preparation for the event, children from the surrounding community were asked to draw their dream playground. The playground that was built is based off their drawings and will provide the local community a great, safe place to play for years to come.
“It never ceases to amaze me what can be accomplished when there’s a collective outpouring of energy, support and collaboration,” said Kyle Guerin, a Smile Generation Ambassador and Director, Pacific Dental Services® Corporate Social Responsibility. “We’re proud to have an impact on the West San Gabriel Valley area and all the young kids that will be able to enjoy this playground. As dental professionals, people are at the center of why we love our work whether that be caring for their oral health or volunteering for projects that will improve their overall health, lives and smiles.”
“The innovative new playground at the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley will offer countless social, emotional and physical benefits of play to thousands of kids each year,” KABOOM! CEO Lysa Ratliff said. “We are thrilled to work alongside our partners and come one step closer to ensuring every single child in Alhambra has an amazing place to play and thrive.”
The YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley serves the cities of Alhambra, Monterey Park, Rosemead and San Gabriel, while providing recreational activities, childcare, day camps, annual events and more to members of the community.
“At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. We believe that positive, lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. The YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley is represented by a diverse community united around a common goal. It’s a place where our kids speak ‘the universal language of play’ and everyone is welcome,” said Valarie Gomez, CEO of YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley.
To view photos of volunteers building the playground, click here.