New community-built, kid-designed playground unveiled in Goodlettsville

Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read

Kids have a new place to play thanks to convenience store chain MAPCO, the city of Goodlettsville and nonprofit partner KABOOM!

Designed by children, built with the help of the community and funded by MAPCO and its partners, the new KABOOM! playground was recently unveiled at Brooks Park after more than 250 volunteers came together for the single day build at 302 Mason Lane.

“Nashville is MAPCO’s home, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to support the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of children in the area with a new playground,” MAPCO CEO Frederic Chaveyriat said in a press release.

“This effort brought together so many partners to work together for a common good – our sponsors, the city of Goodlettsville, KABOOM! and members of the community who volunteered their time. We are grateful for everyone’s hard work to make this vision a reality.”

Mapco and City of Goodlettsville open KABOOM! playground.
Mapco and City of Goodlettsville open KABOOM! playground.

The community-built, kid-designed playground is part of a nationwide effort led by KABOOM! and its partners to end playspace inequity, and ensure every child gets the chance to play on a playground with equitable access to the crucial benefits and opportunities they offer, according to a press release.

Dream playspace drawings were shared with project organizers in February from Goodlettsville area kids.

Ideas originating from those drawings were integrated into the new playground design and its amenities.

Now families can engage in creative play on the playground’s swings, slides, rock-climbing wall, interactive play panels, musical instrument panels and climb across.

New community-built, kid-designed playground unveiled.
New community-built, kid-designed playground unveiled.

Benches, picnic tables and a library box are also available to visiting families.

“Playgrounds are an iconic part of childhood. They’re not only where kids have fun, but also where crucial skills are developed that nurture their physical, mental and emotional well-being,” KABOOM! CEO Lysa Ratliff said in a press release.

“KABOOM! is thrilled to work with MAPCO and the city of Goodlettsville to bring to life the new playspace at Brooks Park so that kids in this community have a place designed just for them, where they can play, learn and unlock their greatest potential.”

Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Goodlettsville's newest playground opens with MAPCO, KABOOM! support