Upland, a Web3 Metaverse SuperApp, recently announced a partnership with KABOOM!, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending playspace inequity. The alliance was inspired by UCC Dak, a passionate Upland player and host of “Perpetual Good in the Metaverse” on Twitter. UCC Dak advocates for using Web3 technology and user-generated content to positively impact the physical world.
The main objective of this collaboration is to generate new income sources, open up markets, and introduce younger generations to organizations with a mission-driven focus. Upland and KABOOM! are joining forces to offer a sale of five unique NFT map assets, inspired by KABOOM!’s playgrounds across the nation.
The creative team behind the project is Toss-Shak, a prominent 3D design studio within Upland. Comprising three active Upland players—TossHed, Shaktikyn, and Fadi04—this collaborative effort has resulted in the creation of unique, playground-inspired items. The first asset, called KABOOM! Dino, is a multi-faceted play structure designed to foster both imaginative and physical development. Complete with climbing areas and slides, this structure aims to entertain while promoting social interaction among children.
In addition to the KABOOM! Dino, the design studio has also brought classic playground structures to life. Among them are the KABOOM! Swings, an iconic playground feature that has thrilled generations of children. Furthermore, Monkey bars, another playground staple, have been reimagined in three variations: the classic KABOOM! Monkey Bars, the KABOOM! Loop Monkey Bars, which offers a more challenging layout, and the KABOOM! Crescent Monkey Bars, which adds a new twist to this traditional play structure.
James Siegal, KABOOM! Senior Fellow, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We at KABOOM! are mission-driven builders… That is why we are so excited to be collaborating with the Upland community.” He continued, “And what better way to start than by bringing virtual playgrounds to Upland’s world as a way to accelerate our work. Together, we can literally put playgrounds on the map and build a better, more joyful world for every kid.”
The impact of this partnership extends beyond the virtual realm. As part of the collaboration, KABOOM! will open an office in Upland’s Chicago location, designed as a factory and showroom. The Upland Chicago addresses directly correlate with real-world KABOOM! locations. For example, the KABOOM! Showroom at 6727 South California Avenue in Upland, Chicago, shares an address with a real-world playground built in collaboration with Catalyst Schools 10 years ago.
Danny Brown Wolf, Upland Chief of Staff, highlighted the aligned missions of the two organizations, stating, “Together, we will leverage our collective expertise to create inclusive, cutting-edge play environments.”
UCC Dak, the visionary behind this partnership, emphasized his alignment with KABOOM!’s mission, stating, “I’m a big kid at heart, and supporting the mission of KABOOM! to create playspaces for kids where they can do the most good aligns with my core values and the kid in me.”
The playground-inspired Map Assets will be accessible via Google Play and App Stores, as well as on the web, allowing users to engage with these unique and socially impactful virtual playgrounds.
Regarding the organizations involved, Upland is based in Silicon Valley, with additional locations in Las Vegas, Ukraine, and Brazil. It was recognized as one of Fast Company’s “Next Big Things in Tech” for 2021 and was listed among “22 San Francisco Startups To Watch in 2022” by Built In SF. Upland operates as an open Web3 platform for a real-world mapped metaverse, aiming to establish a vibrant maker community. It functions as an “entrepreneur economy,” empowering players, creators, developers, and brands to create experiences, generate revenue from assets, and offer utility and enjoyment to other users.
On the other hand, KABOOM! has been working towards ending playspace inequity since 1996. They have collaborated with children and local communities to develop or overhaul more than 17,000 playspaces, ensuring that nearly 12 million children benefit from equitable access to these crucial recreational areas. In 2022, KABOOM! launched its 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity, which focuses on 25 key locations over five years to expedite the organization’s mission.
The partnership between Upland and KABOOM! is a powerful example of how Web3 technology and user-generated content can have a real-world impact. By leveraging virtual assets and the reach of the Upland platform, the organizations aim to create a more joyful and inclusive world where every child has access to safe and engaging play environments.
