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10 Play Space Projects That Also Enhance the Environment

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Enhancing the environment for children will not only increase children’s physical activity but also will raise their Vitamin D levels

Published

1 year ago

April 28, 2025

Oakland Post

By SHAPE America

Did You Know? About 9 percent of the U.S. population — or 7.6 million children between ages 1 and 21 — is deficient in Vitamin D. Increasing children’s time outdoors can raise their levels of Vitamin D, the Sunshine Vitamin. Enhancing the environment for children will not only increase children’s physical activity but also will raise their Vitamin D levels

Build a Sunflower House. Plant sunflowers in a square, circle, or any other shape you’d like to create a living playhouse for hiding and hanging out.
Willow Dome. Create a permanent “living” room for children to play outdoors by planting willow. Plant it in the winter so that when spring comes, the willow will start sprouting new roots and leaves.
Mow a Meadow Maze. Create a fun, natural play space for your children by letting your lawn grow, then carving out a maze or zigzag path with the lawnmower.
Plant Some Bulbs. Watching flower bulbs emerge provides a strange and mysterious experience for children. Plant the bulbs in strategic, fun ways that act as colorful accents to your play space features and pathways.
Boom Drums. Use plastic barrels and trim them to whatever size you want. Bolt them to the ground — or don’t — and let kids bang on them.
Pumpkins. Place small pumpkins outside for children to touch, carry, and explore. Encourage them to take turns carrying and pushing the pumpkins in a wheel barrel.
Loose Parts. Use blocks, boards, “tree cookies” (log slices), and milk crates for outdoor construction play. Give children chalk, fabric, paintbrushes, or water for enhanced imaginative play.
Build a Vine Tepee. Add a hideaway to children’s play space and naturalize their outdoor environment. Find do-it-yourself instructions at http://www.naturalearning.org.
Color. Brighten and create a welcoming environment by adding painted rocks, mosaic stepping stones, windsocks, or pinwheels to your play space.
Recycled Materials. Add some cardboard boxes or pipes for construction play. Add tins, buckets, or bottles for children to bang on to create music and movement opportunities. Use your imagination.

SHAPE America provides many free resources for individual, non-commercial use; learn more at http://www.shapeamerica.org.

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Celebrating Juneteenth – Frederick Douglass on education and resistance

This video from BlackPressUSATV explores the significance of Juneteenth, focusing on the enduring wisdom of Frederick Douglass. It delves into his powerful perspectives on the vital role of education as a tool for liberation and empowerment. Douglass’s words are presented as a cornerstone for understanding the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of continuous […]
The post Celebrating Juneteenth – Frederick Douglass on education and resistance appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 days ago

June 16, 2026

Oakland Post

The content highlights how education and active resistance are intertwined, drawing parallels from historical movements to contemporary challenges. This exploration of Frederick Douglass’s teachings offers valuable insights into the spirit of Juneteenth and its relevance in today’s fight for justice and human rights.

The post Celebrating Juneteenth – Frederick Douglass on education and resistance appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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LIVE! — ASK ALMA! — TUES. 6.19.26 7PM EST

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3 days ago

June 16, 2026

Oakland Post

Welcome to Ask Alma LIVE — your go-to livestream for real talk, life advice, and honest answers to the questions everyone is thinking about but not always asking.
In this interactive live Q&A, Alma and her guests dive into topics such as relationships, personal growth, decision-making, life challenges, and self-improvement — giving you practical insights you can actually use. Whether you’re feeling stuck, curious, or just need a fresh perspective, this is where clarity begins.
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Kansas City Launches Juneteenth Season with Parade Along 18th Street

THE COMMUNITY VOICE — Unlike last year, when rain forced organizers to cancel the parade, this year’s event enjoyed pleasant weather and helped launch another busy Juneteenth season in Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine District.
The post Kansas City Launches Juneteenth Season with Parade Along 18th Street – The Community Voice appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 days ago

June 15, 2026

Oakland Post

By The Community Voice

The Kansas City Juneteenth Parade returned to 18th Street on Saturday, June 6, drawing crowds for more than two hours of drill teams, dance groups, car clubs, Greek organizations and community entries. Spectators also got their first chance to experience the new 18th Street pedestrian improvements, with widened sidewalks and seating areas providing a front-row view of the festivities.

Unlike last year, when rain forced organizers to cancel the parade, this year’s event enjoyed pleasant weather and helped launch another busy Juneteenth season in Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine District.

The post Kansas City Launches Juneteenth Season with Parade Along 18th Street – The Community Voice appeared first on BlackPressUSA.