Rapper/reality show star Rev. Rev and his wife, Justine Simmons, are spearheading heading efforts to make the outdoors more appealing to kids with the construction of a new playground.
The couple is partnering with the national nonprofit organization KaBoom!, Kool-Aid and more than 200 volunteers to help build the playground at the Odyssey House, 1328 Clinton Avenue, Bronx, NY.
The Bronx playground build is the first of more than 220 builds organized by KaBoom! that will take place across the country this year.
According to organizers, more than 7,500 children will benefit from the event, which will kick off at 8:30 a.m. on June 18. at the Odyssey House.
In addition to the volunteers, Rev. Run and Justine will be on hand to participate in the construction of the playground.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate the new playground will conclude the event at 2:30 p.m.
The playground build is part of a bigger effort by organizers to promote the importance of children going outside to play as well as remind parents to encourage their kids to do so.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children and adolescents engage in 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day.
The organization’s website suggests doing exercises that range from aerobic activity (brisk walking, running, bicycle riding,) to muscle strengthening (push-ups, gymnastics, sit-ups) to bone strengthening (jumping rope, running, and sports such as basketball, volleyball or tennis) at least three days a week.
