Fullerton, Calif. (Sept. 15, 2025) – This past Saturday, volunteers from across the region came together to build a new kid-designed, community-led playground at Union Pacific Park in Fullerton. The effort, led by the City of Fullerton in partnership with Smile Generation®, and KABOOM!, transformed an underused public space into a vibrant, inclusive playspace that children will enjoy for years to come.
Over three days, community members worked side by side to bring children’s ideas to life. Earlier this summer, local kids were invited to draw their dream playgrounds. Those drawings directly inspired the final design, which now includes features chosen with accessibility and creativity in mind. The build culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 13. Photos and videos of the event can be found here.
The project is part of KABOOM!’s national effort to end playspace inequity by building high-quality, safe spaces in under-resourced communities. Through partnerships like this one, every playground built brings new opportunities for children to experience the physical, emotional and social benefits of play.
This playground marks the 21st collaborative build between Smile Generation and KABOOM!, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to strengthening communities by investing in environments that support healthier, happier lives.
“At Smile Generation, we believe in serving communities in meaningful ways. That includes supporting environments where kids can thrive,” said Alex Creelman, Regional Partner, Orange County at Smile Generation. “We’re proud to work with the City of Fullerton and KABOOM! to ensure this neighborhood has a safe and inclusive place for children to play, explore and grow.”
“Playgrounds are an iconic part of childhood where kids collect some of their best memories and experience the countless physical and mental health benefits of play,” said Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!. “KABOOM! is thrilled to work with Fullerton Parks and Recreation and Smile Generation to bring to life the new playspace at Union Pacific Park and ensure that generations of kids in Fullerton can grow up happy and healthy through access to playspaces where they feel they are valued and belong. Especially in the increasingly challenging environment our kids are growing up in today, it is critical for us to protect and create safe playspaces for kids to realize their fullest potential.”The new Union Pacific Park playground stands as a lasting example of collaboration, equity and local leadership, bringing joy to children and families for years to come.”
