Children in Clermont have a new place to play and learn thanks to dozens of Walt Disney World Cast Members who joined efforts with other community partners to build a KaBOOM! Playground.
The volunteers endured six hours of hard work and light rain as they installed new swings, a rock-climbing wall and spiral slides along with seesaws and monkey bars.
“This project meant a lot to me,” said Disney VoluntEAR Shelby Curry. “Because I live in Clermont, I feel like I’m not only giving back to the community, but my own children will also be able to play here for many years to come.”
The weekend activity is one of several volunteer efforts Cast Members are participating in as part of the 30th anniversary of the Disney VoluntEARS program. Disney VoluntEARS is a global, company-wide effort that provides opportunities for Cast Members to contribute their time to make a positive impact on the community.
Planning for the playground and outdoor classroom began in March at a “Design Day” event, where local children met with KaBOOM!, Nature Explore, and Disney to design their desired space. Their drawings and ideas were used to create their dream playground. Unique to the project is an outdoor classroom that will inspire children to explore their creativity by connecting with nature.
“The playground and outdoor classroom at West Beach are a unique addition to the City of Clermont’s parks system,” said City Manager Darren Gray. “The City is proud to be a partner in this exciting community project that gives our children a new place to play.”
Since 1996, KaBOOM! has used its innovative community-build model to bring together community interests and business toconstruct more than 2,200 new places to play across North America.
“Every child deserves to have a great place to play and we’re thrilled to continue our work with Disney in striving toward that goal,” said Darell Hammond, KaBOOM! founder & CEO. “Thanks to the efforts from Disney, KaBOOM!, the City of Clermont, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter Counties and Nature Explore, we moved one step closer to the KaBOOM!vision of a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.”
The new playground is one of dozens made possible with support from Disney to inspire kids to lead healthier lifestyles. By the end of 2013, Disney’s support will bring the magic of play to over 50,000 kids and families.
“Only 1-in-5 children live within walking distance of a park or playground,” said Leslie Goodman, senior vice president, Corporate Citizenship at The Walt Disney Company. “Disney is proud to join KaBOOM!, the City of Clermont, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter Counties, and Nature Explore to build a new playground for the community. Together, we hope to make places to play more accessible, and inspire kids and families to stay active.”
Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Sunshine
Related articles
- Disney VoluntEARS Program Marks 30th Anniversary (chipandco.com)
- Disney Cruise Line VoluntEARS Salute National Literacy Month (chipandco.com)
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
