Finding the Closest Playground Near You

Want to find a movie theatre in the United States? Just call 777-FILM for movifone. Want to find a nightclub in a major city? Citysearch will help. What about the nearest playground? I recently came across KaBOOM!, a non-profit organization, who can help with that.

KaBOOM! has a website feature that helps you find on a map outdoor play spaces for kids in the United States. I was surprised to learn that there are over fifty one play spaces near Ohio State University's campus, as highlighted in the screenshot below:

KaBOOM!?

KaBOOM! started out as an organization that built play spaces in neighborhoods that lacked them. As it successes grew, so did its scope, as it started to help others plan and build their own play spaces by themselves, in addition to building playgrounds themselves. KaBOOM! is an example of a social entrepreneurship organization, an organization that measures its success through its impact on society, and creates change using principles of entrepreneurship.

A non-profit with a social network

Their website is pretty fun, with the play space finder noted above. It also hosts a social network for those interested in play spaces and supporting the organization. Supports of the non-profit can post videos, messages, and learn from others who are working with KaBOOM! to develop playgrounds in their own neighborhood.

Most of us are familiar with larger social networks like Facebook or MySpace, but organizations like KaBOOM are creating smaller social networks for those with specific interests. It's an exciting use of digital technology. With funding for non-profits drying up in our sour economy, finding ways to serve a mission in a cost effective way is a must! Instead of KaBOOM staff having to facilitate every new playground, the social network allows the organization to be a facilitator, helping people find help from others.