The City of Uvalde, Archewell Foundation, and KABOOM! recently partnered to support community unity and healing by creating a playspace for kids and the community to enjoy. The goal of the DeLeon Park playground project is to provide a sense of hope for the Uvalde community after the tragedy at Robb Elementary School which shook the nation. Children are after all the future and the present.
In May 2022 the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle visited the memorial of the murdered school children in Uvalde Texas. This came as no surprise to everyone who knows the compassionate Duchess of Sussex. While on royal tour of South Africa in 2019 the Duchess also visited a memorial for murdered South Africa student Uyinene Mrwetyana.
Residents of Uvalde were appreciative of the Duchess using her platform to pay respects to their loved ones. The Duchess offered her support to those who are helping in the community. Volunteers at the Texas Blood and Tissue told reporters that she brought them some food and beverages.
Playgrounds are one of the few shared community spaces designed specifically for kids, and are an essential tool for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The playspace will help children who are experiencing trauma at different levels in the aftermath, and need outlets to gather, play, and enjoy childhood.
Uvalde is on the road to recovery. This resilient and close-knit community is getting a way to unite around something positive as they try to heal. We are grateful for the rallying of support from KABOOM! Archewell, and others who are committed to the long-term health and well-being of the kids and families in Uvalde.
The DeLeon playground project marks the beginning of a deep-rooted commitment to recovery. This community partnership with City and community leaders Archewell is committed to working with diverse partners in bold new ways and breaking down barriers to create the transformational change needed for the kids in Uvalde.
“It has been an honor to support the children and families in Uvalde design and build this amazing space where the community can come together. Our hope is that this special project can help the community heal, and be home to imagination, games and play for many years to come.” –James Holt, Executive Director of Archewell Foundation.
About Archewell Foundation
Archewell Foundation is an impact-driven non-profit created by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry and his darling wife Meghan Markle. The foundation’s core purpose is to uplift and unite communities — local and global, online and offline — one act of compassion at a time.
The playspace fosters togetherness and healing and restores joy of childhood. Archewell builds communities and people. This is leadership.
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.
