Upland, the Web3 Metaverse SuperApp, has recently formed a partnership with KABOOM!, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating inequities in playgrounds. This alliance was inspired by UCC Dak, an Upland player and the host of “Perpetual Good in the Metaverse” on Twitter. UCC Dak is an advocate of utilizing Web3 technology and user-generated content to make a positive impact on the physical world.
The main objective of this collaboration is to create new sources of income, expand markets, and introduce new generations to organizations with a mission-driven focus. In line with UCC Dak’s approach, Upland and KABOOM! are working together to offer the sale of five NFT map assets, which are inspired by KABOOM!’s playgrounds throughout the country.
To bring this project to life, the Toss-Shak, a 3D design studio within Upland, has created unique user-generated 3D map assets inspired by KABOOM! playgrounds. This collaborative effort by TossHed, Shaktikyn, and Fadi04, three active Upland players, has resulted in the creation of various playground-inspired items. The first asset, called KABOOM! Dino, is a multi-faceted play structure that promotes imaginative and physical development. Equipped with climbing areas and slides, this structure aims to not only entertain but also encourage social interaction among children.
Additionally, the design studio has brought other classic playground structures to life. These include the KABOOM! Swings, an iconic playground feature that has brought joy to generations of children. Furthermore, Monkey bars, another staple in playgrounds, have been reimagined in three variations: the classic KABOOM! Monkey Bars, the KABOOM! Loop Monkey Bars with a more challenging layout, and the KABOOM! Crescent Monkey Bars that add a new twist to the traditional play structure.
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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 believes that by bringing virtual playgrounds to Upland’s world, they can accelerate their work in building a better and more joyful world for every child.
As part of this collaboration, KABOOM! will open an office in Upland’s Chicago location, modeled as a factory and showroom. These Upland Chicago addresses correspond directly to real-world KABOOM! locations. For example, the KABOOM! Showroom at 6727 South California Avenue in Upland, Chicago shares an address with a playground built in collaboration with Catalyst Schools a decade ago.
Danny Brown Wolf, Upland’s Chief of Staff, highlighted the aligned missions of both organizations, expressing that together they will leverage their collective expertise to create inclusive and cutting-edge play environments.
UCC Dak, the individual whose vision led to this partnership, emphasized his alignment with the partnership, saying, “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, well – it aligns with my core values and the kid in me.”
The playground-inspired Map Assets created through this partnership will be accessible via Google Play, App Stores, and the web.
Upland, based in Silicon Valley with additional locations in Las Vegas, Ukraine, and Brazil, was recognized as one of Fast Company’s “Next Big Things in Tech” for 2021. It was also listed among “22 San Francisco Startups To Watch in 2022” by Built In SF. Upland operates as an open Web3 platform that aims to establish a vibrant maker community within a real-world mapped metaverse. It empowers players, creators, developers, and brands to create experiences, generate revenue from assets, and provide utility and enjoyment to other users.
Since 1996, KABOOM! has collaborated with children and local communities to develop or renovate over 17,000 playspaces, ensuring equitable access for nearly 12 million children. In 2022, KABOOM! launched its 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity, which focuses on 25 key locations over five years to expedite their mission.
Through their partnership, Upland and KABOOM! aim to make a real-world impact by combining their innovative approaches in different spheres to create inclusive and engaging play environments for children. This collaboration highlights the potential for Web3 technology to drive positive change and showcases the power of user-generated content in making a difference in the physical world.
