From local parks to global impact
In cities and suburbs alike, playgrounds are often overlooked as just another part of the landscape. But these spaces are more than a patch of metal and mulch—they are vital spaces where children grow stronger, kinder, and braver, creating lasting memories and meaningful friendships.
Playgrounds support children’s growth in many pivotal ways—physically, socially, and mentally. Research consistently shows that playgrounds promote active lifestyles, reduce the risk of childhood obesity, and foster essential social skills, such as empathy and teamwork. Unstructured play sparks imagination, nurtures cognitive development, and promotes problem-solving skills that last a lifetime.
To that point, access to parks has long been recognized as a significant factor that contributes to a community’s health and wellness. According to a 2023 Trust for Public Land report, in cities with the best ParkScores, which measure the accessibility of parks and recreation, people are 9% less likely to suffer from poor mental health and 21% less likely to be physically inactive. Parks are more than places for kids to have fun; they actively uplift the surrounding communities.
Making Playgrounds Sustainable And Accessible For All
Playgrounds are places where childhood memories are made, but behind the joy they bring, the companies that manufacture the structures face a growing challenge that can’t be ignored: sustainability. From the extraction and disposal of raw materials to the entire lifecycle of a playground, the process has a significant carbon footprint. Traditionally, when commercial playgrounds are removed, much of the equipment, which is often made of plastic, ends up in landfills. While exact numbers for playground-specific waste are difficult to pinpoint, it's estimated that up to 80% of all toys, including large play structures, ultimately contribute to plastic waste.
That’s where Kids Around the World comes in. This Rockford, Ill.-based nonprofit has a mission to restore hope and spark joy by repurposing retired playground equipment and installing it in under-resourced communities worldwide. Since launching this initiative in partnership with Little Tikes Commercial in 2019, nearly 1,000 playgrounds have been reinstalled in almost 100 countries, each one providing an opportunity for children who have never known the joy of a safe place to play. While many different initiatives exist to benefit underserved communities, kids know that the playgrounds are specifically for them, and this is a powerful sentiment that makes them feel valued and seen.
Safe Playground Repurposing
When a playground is removed for repurposing, each component is refurbished, repaired, and carefully labeled to ensure it can be reassembled exactly as it was in its original layout, just in a new location. This process enables the entire playground footprint to be lifted, transported, and reinstalled without requiring a complete redesign, which can not only be costly but also consume a significant amount of materials.
In the U.S., commercial playground equipment typically has a lifespan of 18 to 25 years. While years of use naturally lead to some wear and tear, many of these structures still have a lot of life in them. Once relocated to underserved communities overseas, these refurbished playgrounds can offer up to 20 additional years of use.
Structural safety is always a top priority, and any compromised parts are replaced before reinstallation. But when it comes to appearance, minor cosmetic flaws are far less important in communities where children may be experiencing the joy of a playground for the very first time. Once installed, the equipment is also repainted to lessen any signs of wear and tear. The professionals carrying out the refurbishing process are highly skilled in their work, making the reused playground equipment exciting for kids while ensuring it is safe for them to play on.
The Future Of Playground Donations
When organizations with shared values collaborate, they can create meaningful impacts. One of the ways this occurs in the industry is through partnerships that expand efforts to donate playground equipment from various locations across the country. While transporting large structures remains a key logistical challenge, growing awareness and participation in the program are helping to simplify the process. Initiatives like these make it easier to redirect used playgrounds to communities with limited access to safe play spaces.
In addition to equipment donations, companies like Little Tikes Commercial may contribute a portion of proceeds from certain sales to organizations, such as Kids Around the World. This model allows even those unable to donate or transport equipment directly to support efforts that bring play to more communities.
“Our partnership with Little Tikes Commercial has honestly transformed our play program here at Kids Around the World,” says Jeff Rosene, President of Kids Around the World. “We are able to bless so many more children with the gift of play because of it.”
Now, playgrounds once destined for disposal are finding new life in places where they’re needed most. It’s a win for the environment—and a win for children. What was once old becomes a powerful tool to inspire and build community for those who need it most. Every child deserves a safe place to play, and every playground deserves a second chance to make a difference.
