KaBOOM!, Darell Hammond
KaBOOM!, Darell Hammond
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KaBOOM!
How One Man Built a Movement to Save Play

Author: Darell Hammond

Narrator: Sean Runnette

Unabridged: 9 hr 49 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 06/01/2011


Synopsis

In 1995, Darell Hammond read an article in the Washington Post about an unthinkable tragedy: Two young children suffocated in a car on a hot summer day in southeast Washington, D.C. The story indicated that the children had nowhere to play; in the absence of a playground, they had climbed into an abandoned car. Reading the article fueled Hammond's sense of injustice, and his life's mission came into focus. Hammond founded KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit that provides communities with tools, resources, and guidance to build and renovate playgrounds and playspaces.

In some of the toughest and poorest neighborhoods in North America, 2,000 barren spaces have been transformed by KaBOOM! and more than a million volunteers and community members into kid-designed, fun, and imaginative places to play. This is the story of a man with a vision, a man who believes that play is the best natural resource in a creative economy and that kids need more of it. Play is not a luxury but a necessity for their lives. Through hard work, commitment, and the conviction that access to a safe play environment is the fundamental right of all children, Hammond built an organization that has touched the lives of countless children and families. Hammond's story demonstrates how one idealist can change the world—and how small, civic-minded steps create a ripple effect that can transform communities and eventually the world at large.

About Darell Hammond

Darell Hammond is the founder and CEO of KaBOOM!, an innovative nonprofit based in Washington, D.C, that brings volunteers and community members together to build playgrounds for children across the country. Founded out of his apartment in 1996, KaBOOM! has raised $200 million, rallied a million volunteers, led the hands-on construction of 2,000 playgrounds, and inspired a movement for the child's right to play. Darell and his wife, Kate, live in Washington, D.C.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Mal

An Engaging Story About Kids, Playgrounds, and One Hugely Successful Social Entrepreneur A little more than two years ago I found myself immersed up to my eyeballs in a new venture dedicated to fostering the spirit of play among disadvantaged children. That venture — a mission-driven, for-profit comp......more

Goodreads review by Joseph

"We are losing the central gathering spaces in our neighborhoods... Children play in insular groups in backyards surrounded by privacy fences. We literally create physical barriers that prevent kids from coming together to play spontaneously... All those hours of free play time that most adults toda......more

I read this book because I was a volunteer at a Kaboom! playground build in Champaign, IL. I found that experience to be very fun and rewarding, to see the playground go up in the span of just a few hours, so I was intrigued by the book. Overall, I thought it was good...although I do have a few crit......more

Goodreads review by Missy

About the time Darell was starting Kaboom, I was teaching in Baltimore City. At that time, recess was formally discouraged as "instructional time" was most critical for children 2-3 years behind grade level. Additionally, the school I taught at had no playground equipment - a grassy area, but zero e......more

Goodreads review by Mark

An inspiring true story, this book covers Darell Hammond's journey thus far, from a rough start in life to his current efforts to save play in America. Through years of hard work and dedication, Darell and his organization have made a huge impact on 2,000 communities across the country. Darell's sto......more