Madison Heights Gets Grant for Playful Path and Tranquility Space
(City of Madison Heights, Feb. 21, 2021)
Madison Heights, MI – KABOOM!, the national nonprofit working to end play space inequity, and the Built to Play Initiative, supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, announced that the City of Madison Heights is among the winners of the Play Everywhere Design Challenge.
The city will create public play areas through a project called ‘Playful Tranquility’, located around the city’s library at 240 W. 13 Mile Road. This installation will provide everyone in Madison Heights opportunities to get the physical activity and social interaction they need to thrive. Installation will be completed by January 2022.
The project will convert a grassy space next to the Madison Heights Public Library into a creative play space with an adjoining pathway that leads to a tranquility center. The tranquility center will be a place for presentations, puppet shows and more. The space’s design team will also incorporate playful musical instruments, gardens, a rainbow walking path, climbable features and playful art installation through a partnership with the Madison Heights Arts Board and Environmental Citizens Committee.
Madison Heights City Manager Melissa Marsh said the new installation will be something everyone in the area can cherish.
“The importance of keeping everyone physically and socially active can’t be overstated, and this project will provide an amazing opportunity for families in Madison Heights and surrounding areas to enjoy active time outdoors and explore the arts,” Marsh said. “We appreciate KABOOM! and the Built to Play Initiative for their decision to include us in this year’s initiative, and are eager to get the project started.”
The Play Everywhere Design Challenge invites communities to submit creative ideas that help make play more accessible to families. The Challenge awards a total of $1 million for projects across Western New York and Southeast Michigan.
“Play Everywhere projects are all about meeting kids and families where they are by infusing play into every corner of the community,” said Lysa Ratliff, Acting CEO of KABOOM!. “Spaces where kids can run, jump, interact and explore are essential for kids’ health and wellbeing. We’re excited by the grassroots creativity and enthusiasm that these projects reflect, and look forward to seeing their positive impact on the lives of children.”
KABOOM! has teamed up with partners to build or improve 17,000+ play spaces, engage more than 1.5 million community members and bring joy to more than 11 million kids. Learn more about the Play Everywhere Design Challenge and view a gallery of winners here.
“We are continuously inspired by the level of creativity that Play Everywhere projects display, especially during these unprecedented times,” said Jim Boyle, Vice President of Programs & Communications, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “Now more than ever, it’s important that kids have safe spaces to play in their communities and we’re proud to be a partner in this work.”