STATE COLLEGE — Ferguson Township will host a ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the kid-designed, community-built playground at Autumnwood Park, 2207 Autumnwood Dr., State College on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 2:30 p.m.
Volunteers will gather at 8:30 a.m. to assist with construction.
The playground was created from a partnership with Ferguson Township, the Pennsylvania Municipal League and KABOOM!
Maryland-based KABOOM! is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 to make it possible for every kid — no matter their zip code or skin color — to have the same opportunity to play.
Today’s children face increasing pressures — from limited access to play spaces and nature to rising mental health challenges and screen time — making play more critical than ever. KABOOM! envisions a world where safe and amazing places to play exist for every child in America so that kids can grow up happy and healthy.
This new play space represents progress made possible through collaboration between the Ferguson Township, The League, and KABOOM!, and reflects a shared commitment to protecting childhood and strengthening community well-being.
This new play space with the Ferguson Township and The League is part of a nationwide effort led by KABOOM! to end play space inequity — the reality that far too many children, especially children of color — do not get the chance to play on a playground, something that should be part of every child’s life. Their work is to ensure every kid can experience the numerous physical, social, and mental health benefits of play regardless of background or where they live.
Community members led the creation of the playground, from design to installation. In April, kids in the community shared drawings of their dream play spaces with project organizers. These ideas were integrated into the new playground design. This project represents progress in ensuring every kid has a place to play, providing a state-of-the-art playground for more than 14,000 children across the Greater State College and Centre Region to enjoy each year.
Located in the heart of Ferguson Township, the new playground at Autumnwood Park will serve children and families from surrounding neighborhoods and the greater State College area. As one of the Township’s valued community parks, Autumnwood Park provides an important gathering space for recreation, outdoor activity, and social connection.
Replacing the aging playground with a modern, inclusive, state-of-the-art play space will address a growing community need by creating a safe, accessible destination where children of all abilities can play, explore, and build healthy, active lifestyles. This investment will help ensure that more than 14,000 children across the Greater State College and Centre Region have access to a high-quality place to play and connect with their community.
Since The Pennsylvania Municipal League provides advocacy and education initiatives for municipalities across the Commonwealth, partnering with KABOOM! on playground builds is a natural fit. The League has partnered with KABOOM! on multiple playground builds and is committed to improving communities in all areas of daily life.
