Nathan's Famous and KaBOOM! Come Together to Build Playground for Florida CommunityNathan's Famous and KaBOOM! Come Together to Build Playground for Florida Community

More than 200 people came together this week in central Florida to roll up their sleeves, swing hammers and wield power tools all in an effort to build a brand new playground in just one day. Thanks to Nathan's Famous and KaBOOM!, along with support from the City of Kissimmee, Community Vision, and many volunteers, the youth and community of Kissimmee can now enjoy a new, Coney Island themed playspace. Designed by the real play experts - local children - the playground is located at the Mark E. Durbin Community Park at Lakeside, adjacent to Cypress Elementary School. It is the first playground funded by the hot dog company and a key element of Ready. Set. PLAY., a multi-faceted initiative launched by the company earlier this year in support of KaBOOM!. "This has been a really fun and exciting project to be a part of," says Wayne Norbitz, president of Nathan's Famous. "Nathan's Famous is a company all about community, family and fun. We believe it is important to give back to not just the community in New York where we are founded and based, but to communities across the country. And what a better way to do so than by creating a space that welcomes children and families and encourages active play. We are really proud of our partnership with KaBOOM! and are thankful for the tremendous support from the City of Kissimmee and Community Vision and all of the volunteers that helped make this fun new playspace a reality for the community here in Kissimmee." In addition to the new playground, Nathan's Famous' special partnership directly supports the KaBOOM! mission to bring balanced and active play into the daily lives of all children, particularly those growing up in poverty in America, say company officials. Over the summer, the popular food company hit the road with Ready. Set. PLAY. and hosted Coney Island themed events in communities across the country. The goal was not only to raise awareness for KaBOOM!, but to create a way to celebrate balanced and active play as well as honor the "playmakers" who are working hard to make play possible. "At KaBOOM!, we believe play matters for all kids," says Darell Hammond, founder and CEO of KaBOOM!. "We are thrilled to partner with Nathan's Famous, the City of Kissimmee and Community Vision to help bring balanced and active play into the daily lives of more children in Kissimmee." The City of Kissimmee is a Playful City USA community, which understands that play, in all its forms, is a powerful thing. The new playground will bring more than 10,000 children in the city one step closer to having the childhood they deserve. Currently, Kissimmee offers 20 different playgrounds throughout the city, with a goal of creating a park and playground within walking distance to every resident. "We are so pleased to be working with KaBOOM!, Nathan's Famous and Community Vision on this important project that will enhance the lives of so many children," says Dan Loubier, director of parks, recreation and public facilities for the City of Kissimmee. "Our city cares greatly about the children that live in and visit our community and we are thankful to our partners and volunteers for their support and efforts. The City of Kissimmee is proud to be the benefactor of this new playground at Mark E. Durbin Park in the Lakeside Community." Throughout the day volunteers and event attendees were treated to a little taste of Coney Island with delicious Nathan's Famous hot dogs served to help fuel the playground building work. The company's unique mobile experience was also on hand to provide entertainment and fun, active play opportunities for the local children and students from Cypress Elementary School.