Zbar Outdoor Play Initiative Aims to Increase Access to Nature-Based Play Spaces | Sustainable Brands
In a groundbreaking move to combat the diminishing access to outdoor play and nature for young people, Zbar, known for its energy snacks tailored for actively growing children, has embarked on an ambitious endeavor. The company has committed $1 million in partnership with the esteemed non-profit organization KABOOM! This alliance is set to forge new paths in establishing nature-oriented play areas, particularly aimed at communities presently underserved in terms of green spaces and recreational facilities.
The initiative not only lays the groundwork for contemporary outdoor play spaces but ventures further into fostering KABOOM!’s mission towards eco-conscious playground constructions. With a sharp focus on the future, this collaboration envisions integrating environmentally friendly design elements to cool down play areas, such as planting more trees, incorporating shade structures, and opting for materials that minimize heat absorption.
The dire need for such initiatives is underscored by the stark reality of outdoor play in today’s digital age. Statistics reveal that U.S. children now engage in a mere seven minutes of free play outdoors daily, a significant departure from past generations. Additionally, the looming specter of climate change brings into focus the urgency to redesign traditional playgrounds that inadvertently contribute to escalating temperatures.
Highlighting the critical access gap, reports by the Trust for Public Land (TPL) indicate that an overwhelming number of U.S individuals, including an estimated 30 million children, reside beyond a ten-minute walk from any park or recreational space. Echoing the 10 Minute Walk campaign initiated by TPL, the Zbar-KABOOM! project aligns with similar ventures aimed at proffering more inclusive outdoor engagement opportunities, advocating for broader accessibility irrespective of geographic or socioeconomic barriers.
By leveraging this collaboration, Zbar champions the physical and psychological advantages derived from outdoor activities, seeking to instigate a deeper connection between children and the natural world. “Empowering the next generation to foster a relationship with nature is a cornerstone of our initiative,” remarked Valerie Van Arkel, Zbar’s Director of Marketing. The commitment also encompasses efforts to raise awareness and advocate for equitable outdoor play access, pledging support for significant legislative efforts focused on enhancing outdoor recreational spaces.
Furthering its dedication, KABOOM! has placed a premium on eradicating play space inequity, a goal that has been pivotal since its foundation in 1996. Through its formidable partnership network, KABOOM! has championed the creation and revitalization of play spaces, ensuring millions of children enjoy the benefits of playful learning and engagement with nature. Its ambitious “25 in 5 Initiative to End Play Space Inequity” underscores a proactive strategy to bolster its mission in critical locations over an accelerated timeline.
“Access to quality play spaces is not a luxury but a fundamental aspect of childhood development and well-being,” stated KABOOM! CEO Lysa Ratliff. “This collaboration with Zbar represents a shared vision to democratize play spaces, enabling all children to flourish and cultivate a sustainable connection with their environment.”
To further incentivize family participation in outdoor activities, Zbar has announced a novel “Calling All Outdoors Experts” sweepstakes, promising enticing rewards, including REI gift cards for outdoor merchandise and a year’s provision of Zbar snacks. Entries into the sweepstakes invite parents to capture and share moments of their children engaging with nature, fostering a communal celebration of outdoor play.
The joint venture ceremoniously kicks off with an interactive “Nature Design Jam Day” in Oakland, California, setting the stage for a series of engagements where children can immerse themselves in nature-based play. This event symbolizes the tangible steps being taken towards reimagining play spaces through the lens of sustainability and inclusivity, marking a significant leap forward in the mission to reconnect youth with the great outdoors.
