PHOTOS: ABC7 and KaBOOM! build playground in Oakland
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- ABC7 has teamed up with KaBOOM! and the City of Oakland to build a dream playground at Concordia Park in Oakland. Such an awesome experience! We believe #playmatters #whereyoulive.
>>WATCH THE PLAYGROUND CONSTRUCTION LIVE!
If you're anywhere near the park in the Millsmont neighborhood - you're sure to hear the screams and cheers coming from an excited group of volunteers. ABC7 General Manager Bill Burton kicked things off by thanking the crowd and speaking about the importance of giving back. Morning news anchor Kristen Sze reminded everyone of how many young lives will be touched by creating this new play space.
"We're going to put up an awesome playground in six hours time," said Sze.
What once was a rundown playground is being transformed from top to bottom.
"We believe that play is an important part of every child's life," said KaBOOM! Project Management Director Roxane Rucker.
Rucker is helping to lead hundreds of volunteers, many of whom come from this East Cakland community. She says making over this park is about more than assembling slides and sandboxes. She says what children will take away will last a lifetime.
"Play is more than just moving your body, it's also engaging your mind and it's also socially engaging your peers, adults and others," said Rucker.
"I feel like I've been sprinkled with pixie dust," said Oakland City Councilmember Desley Brooks.
Brooks represents this district; she says what are now unrecognizable blocks and colored pieces of plastic, will soon be turned into the very things that can not only shape a child's imagination, but help to transform a community.
"If our kids have the opportunity to be a kid and do that through their childhood years, they'll be alright when they become adults," said Brooks.
Watch time-lapse footage of volunteers unloading all the play equipment.
