LEE, Mass. — After almost two years of fundraising and planning, the Neighborhood Ninjas playground will soon begin construction. 

 

Many teens and adults have memories of running and climbing at a playground, but as they grow up, they age out of the equipment, often geared to kids 12 and under, Neighborhood Ninjas Executive Director Alex Katz said. 

 

The nonprofit Neighborhood Ninjas has worked to create something that kids can grow into, allowing teens, adults, and seniors to rediscover the love for play, including the nostalgic game, the floor is lava, she said. 

 

The 15 ninja-style obstacles, including cargo nets, rope climbs, cliffhangers, ascending monkey bars, and more set on accessible, cushioned playground turf called Forever Lawn designed  with a 15-foot safety critical fall height in mind, Katz said. 

 

The initiative also helps address social isolation, especially in teens, and the lack of free recreation, which is a need many communities are experiencing, including Berkshire County. 

 

The Neighborhood Ninjas park is more than a playground; it's a catalyst to bring the families and community together to build on physical and mental health, Katz said. 

 

Neighborhood Ninjas was founded in 2018 by a team of American Ninja Warrior athletes and is made up of social workers, educators, and Ninja Warrior coaches.