Community Joins Forces with Nonprofit to Advance Playspace Equity with Two New Playgrounds for The
Neighborhood at Somers Point Apartments
The Playspaces Are Now Open
Somers Point, NJ (April 23, 2024) – The City of Somers Point, The Related Affordable Foundation and KABOOM!
officially unveil two new kid-designed and community-built playgrounds at Somers Point Apartments in New Jersey.
For months, the community, the Related Affordable Foundation, and KABOOM!, the nonprofit organization focused
on ending playspace inequity, have been working together to increase access to playspaces for local kids with the
creation of two new playgrounds that were installed last week are open to the public this week. The two playgrounds,
built by more than 200 volunteers including Somers Point City Council Members Charles Haberkorn, Janice Johnston,
and Mike Owen, aim to provide adventure and exploration through outdoor play for a wide age range of children with
one playground designed for kids 2-5 years old and the other for kids 5-12 years old.
The new playgrounds were a collaborative effort by community members, including kids, who presented creative
ideas for their dream playground during Design Day in February. The new playgrounds, designed with inspiration
from their drawings, will provide hundreds of kids and their families in Somers Point with incredible playspaces that
spark joy and belonging and reflect Related’s dedication to building and supporting thriving communities.
“The Related Affordable Foundation, KABOOM! and the City of Somers Point built more than a playground; we crafted
a hub where joy reigns supreme and our community flourishes,” said Somers Point Mayor Dennis Tapp. “The City
of Somers Point is encouraged by how our community swung into action and contributed to this effort that nourishes
the heart of our collective spirit.”
Playing is the essence of childhood and is a critical developmental need that provides countless physical, social, and
mental health benefits. However, far too many children, especially in communities of color, do not have a place to
play near where they live or learn. KABOOM! is working to end playspace inequity, ensuring that kids have access
to quality places to play, something that should be part of every child’s life. The new playgrounds at Somers Point
Apartments, designed with the community’s unique needs and aspirations in mind, brings Somers Point, New Jersey
one step closer toward ending playspace inequity and ensuring that every kid has the opportunity to experience the
joys and benefits of play.
“Playgrounds are where kids can experience the wide range of physical and mental benefits of play, and have the
freedom to take risks, build strong relationships, grow, explore, and learn through joyful moments of play,” said Lysa
Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!. “KABOOM! is thrilled to work with long time partner, Related Affordable Foundation, to
bring to life the new playspace at Somers Point Apartments and ensure that kids in Somers Point, New Jersey and
generations to come have a vibrant place to play designed for them to enjoy childhood and unlock their greatest
potential.”
“We are proud to support the new playground through our partnership with KABOOM!, furthering its commitment to
ending playspace inequity for kids, for communities, for good,” said Janell George Smith, Executive Director of
Related Affordable Foundation. “Thank you to The City of Somers Point and for all the volunteers from the local
community and Related for their hard work in delivering two kid-designed spaces for the community to enjoy.”
About Somers Point
The City of Somers Point, with its slogan, The Shore Starts Here, offers plenty of reasons to visit with its rich mix of
beach concerts, farmer’s markets, festivals, and activities. Once visitors come for these events, the city’s thriving
shopping, restaurants, and nightlife scene offer visitors lots of reasons to stay. To learn more about what’s happening
in Somers Point, visit somerspointgov.org.
About Related Affordable Foundation
The Related Affordable Foundation (RAF) is a charitable, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization committed to enriching
the lives of affordable housing residents and breaking the generational cycle of poverty. Established in 2016, the
Related Affordable Foundation sponsors impactful programs and activities in the areas of education, food security,
health & wellness, and workforce development.
For more information about the Related Affordable Foundation, please visit relatedaffordablefoundation.org or email
relatedaffordablefoundation@related.com.
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 build or improve 17,000+ playspaces and ensure that nearly 12 million kids have equitable access
to the crucial benefits and opportunities that playspaces offer. In 2022, KABOOM! launched the 25 in 5 Initiative to
End Playspace Inequity to accelerate its mission in 25 high-priority locations over five years. Learn more at
kaboom.org or join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.