An Extreme Makeover of the Playful Kind

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (June 7, 2010) - For five consecutive years, The Toro Company, The Minnesota Vikings and KaBOOM! have teamed up to build new playgrounds for Twin Cities communities in need of a fun and safe outdoor play environment. This year was no different. On Friday, June 4, more than 250 volunteers from participating organizations and the community joined together to construct a new, contemporary playground at Nellie Stone Johnson Community School in North Minneapolis during a one-day build event.

The playground features brightly colored slides, a giant tire swing, and many other student-inspired elements. The design was chosen based on input from the children, who drew their dream playgrounds for planners at a Design Day in March.

“For the community, this is a great event where local organizations partner with area residents to have a lasting impact on our youth,” said Judson McNeil, president of The Toro Foundation. “Promoting healthy activities on the playground is an extension of the classroom and important for quality education.”

KaBOOM! is a non-profit organization that aims to improve play throughout America. They supply new and innovative playground equipment for disadvantaged areas. Toro contributed to half the cost of the playground, and many build-day supplies were donated by community businesses. Another valuable partner in the event was the YMCA Beacons program, which serves over 2,500 students and families in North, Northeast, and South Minneapolis areas by providing students with after-school and summer development programming in a safe atmosphere.

“This whole process started about two months ago with Toro and their direct interaction with the students on the planning day,” said Mark Bonine, principal at Nellie Stone Johnson Community School. “Toro was there every step of the way, and every employee showed how dedicated they were to community involvement. You could tell how excited they [Toro employees] were to be there.”

The build day began with opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. followed by a quick stretch with Vikings cheerleaders. Then the build began with all volunteers working feverously until around noon when the Vikings players, coaches, and staff arrived to help put the finishing touches on the playground and interact with students. When construction was complete, the students came out to admire their new playground and take part in the student-made ribbon cutting ceremony.

The build teaches students what they can accomplish through hard work and by partnering with the community. Toro, the Vikings and KaBOOM!, engaged the students throughout the community beautification project - one in which they will benefit from long after their graduation date. “Something like this playground is going to be part of this community for years to come,” said Vikings' Middle Linebacker, E.J. Henderson.

About The Toro Company
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of turf and landscape maintenance equipment, and precision irrigation systems. With sales of more than $1.5 billion in fiscal 2009, Toro's global presence extends to more than 140 countries through its reputation of world-class service, innovation and turf expertise. Since 1914, the company has built a tradition of excellence around a number of strong brands to help customers care for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties, and agricultural fields. More information is available at www.toro.com.

About Nellie Stone Johnson Community School
The middle school consists of 180 students who spend each day in a morning meeting that sets the tone for developing a respectful culture and establishes a climate of trust. Students have academic opportunities to accelerate their learning in robotics, algebra, college awareness, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Opportunities), robotics, Spanish, as well as community-based learning projects and gifted/talented classes. This small school atmosphere affords our students a chance to develop relationships with teachers and their peers. We value parents as part of their child's support system in school. To learn more about Minneapolis Public Schools, visit www.mpls.k12.mn.us.

About KaBOOM!
Celebrating its 10 year anniversary in 2006, KaBOOM!! is a national nonprofit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. Over the past decade, KaBOOM!! has used its innovative community-build model to bring together business and community interests to construct nearly 1,000 new playgrounds, skateparks, sports fields and ice rinks across North America. KaBOOM!! also offers a variety of resources, including a web portal and online community, regional and national trainings, grants and publications for communities that wish to plan a new playspace on their own. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., KaBOOM!! also has offices in Chicago, Atlanta and San Mateo, CA. For more information, visit www.KaBOOM.org.

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