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

Over 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 world famous hot dog company and a key element of Ready. Set. PLAY., a special 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," said Wayne Norbitz, president of Nathan's Famous, Inc. "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 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. 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," said 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," said 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.

To view photos and learn details about the new playground or for further information on Ready. Set. PLAY., please visit www.nathansfamous.com.

About Nathan's Famous
Nathan's is a Russell 2000 Company that currently distributes its products in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Cayman Islands and nine foreign countries through its restaurant system, foodservice sales programs and product licensing activities. Nathan's was ranked #55 on the Forbes list of the Best Small Companies in America and was listed as the Best Small Company in New York State in October 2013. Last year, over 480 million Nathan's Famous hot dogs were sold. For additional information about Nathan's please visit our website at www.nathansfamous.com.

About John Morrell Food Group
With over a century and a half of experience, John Morrell Food Group brands have become respected and well known for providing premium-quality meat products to families across the United States. With products ranging from lunchmeat and franks to smoked sausage, bacon and pepperoni, the John Morrell Food Group is an important part of consumers' mealtimes. The John Morrell Food Group offers several national and regional brands including Armour , Eckrich , John Morrell , Curly's , Patrick Cudahy , Carando , Healthy Ones , Margherita Kretschmar and LunchMakers .

About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $14 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield , Eckrich , Farmland , Armour , Cook's , Gwaltney , John Morrell , Kretschmar , Curly's , Carando , Margherita , and Healthy Ones . Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental, and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and www.smithfieldcommitments.com.

About KaBOOM!
KaBOOM! is the national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids, particularly those growing up in poverty in America. Since 1996, KaBOOM! has collaborated with partners to build, open or improve nearly 16,000 playgrounds, engaged more than one million volunteers and served 7.4 million children. KaBOOM! creates great places to play, inspires communities to promote and support play, and works to drive the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy lives and communities. To learn why #playmatters: visit kaboom.org or join the conversation at twitter.com/kaboom or facebook.com/kaboom.

About the City of Kissimmee
Kissimmee is a community of neighborhoods for families, making it a great place to visit, but an even better place to call home. With an outstanding quality of life, Kissimmee residents have access to an impressive education system, a revitalized and thriving downtown district, affordable housing, and a high level of municipal services. For more information about the City of Kissimmee, please visit www.kissimmee.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.