Washington, D.C., September 16, 2025
News Summary
The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School has unveiled its first playground, designed by students. This colorful playspace aims to enhance the physical and emotional growth of over 250 students. A collaborative effort involving various organizations, including Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation and KABOOM!, saw over 100 volunteers come together to build this vibrant community hub, which features climbing, sliding, and socializing areas, along with a stunning mural. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to improve playground access in the D.C. area.
Washington, D.C. Welcomes Its First-Ever Playground at The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School!
Exciting news for the young and eager minds at The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School (TCG DC)! On September 12, 2025, the school unveiled its first-ever playground, a colorful and student-designed playspace destined to support the physical, social, and emotional growth of over 250 students. This vibrant addition comes to life thanks to the combined efforts of the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF), national nonprofit KABOOM!, and the community.
A Day of Building Dreams
In a truly remarkable display of community spirit, more than 100 volunteers gathered to bring the playground to life in just one day. Among the volunteers, students from TCG DC were thrilled to find some of their sports heroes lending a helping hand. Capitals players Anthony Beauvillier, Ethen Frank, and Dylan McIlrath teamed up with Wizards players such as Anthony Gill and AJ Johnson to create an exciting place for kids to play. Even mascots and personalities from local teams joined in for a memorable day!
The Importance of Play
Jenny Livelli, the CEO and President of The Children’s Guild, underscored how vital it is for children in the District to have access to quality play spaces. This sentiment was echoed by KABOOM! CEO Lysa Ratliff, who pointed out how essential playgrounds are for supporting children’s health and well-being. The new playground is not just a place to play, but a community hub aimed at enhancing children’s life skills through fun and engaging activities.
A Playground by Children, for Children
Thanks to a special “design day” event facilitated by Wizards and Mystics athletes, the playground’s design was directly inspired by the students themselves! Parents and teachers were consulted to ensure that the playground met the needs and desires of the TCG DC school community. The end result is a playscape that features areas for climbing, sliding, and socializing, giving students plenty of opportunities to learn, grow, and form friendships!
More Than Just Play
The playground features a stunning mural titled “Neighborhood Candy,” crafted by local artist Hiba Alyawer and painted by MSE staff, making the entire playspace visually appealing. With the capacity to host over 150 students at a time, this playground is designed to foster a safe environment where children can engage in healthy play.
A Community Effort
The recent playground opening is a continuation of a successful partnership between MSEF and KABOOM!, marking the 13th playground they have built in the D.C. region since 2011. Together, they have positively impacted around 6,741 children across the area. Their collective investment in local playspaces has exceeded $1 million, showcasing a steadfast commitment to enhancing playground access through their “25 in 5” Initiative to End Playspace Inequity across the U.S.
Moreover, local businesses showed their support during the build day, with Coca-Cola Consolidated Inc. providing refreshments and essential items for the TCG DC students. Partner organizations like Giant Food, Dunkin’, and Chick-fil-A also contributed food and beverages for the volunteers, proving that community love goes a long way in making dreams come true.
FAQ Section
When was the playground at The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School opened?
The playground was officially unveiled on September 12, 2025.
How many volunteers participated in building the playground?
More than 100 volunteers came together to construct the playground in one day.
What community organizations were involved in the playground project?
The project was a collaboration between The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, and KABOOM!
How has this initiative impacted the community?
This initiative has enriched the lives of approximately 6,741 children in the D.C. area through improved access to safe and engaging recreational spaces.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Student-inspired design crafted during a special ‘design day’ event. |
| Mural | Colorful mural titled “Neighborhood Candy” by local artist Hiba Alyawer. |
| Capacity | Accommodates over 150 students for play and interaction. |
| Community Involvement | Over 100 volunteers, including local athletes and mascots. |
| Total Impact | Approximately 6,741 children positively affected across the D.C. area through this initiative. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Elementary Schools Open Amid Safety and Construction Concerns
Additional Resources
- Monumental Sports: Playground Opening
- DC News Now: New Playground Unveiling
- Mommy Poppins: Best Indoor Play Spaces for Kids
- Wikipedia: Playground
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Playground
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
