By Stig Editor 
Kruk and Kuip Unveil Playgrounds in Long Beach and Racine to Honor Childhood Roots
In a heartwarming gesture of gratitude, legendary San Francisco Giants broadcasters Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper, affectionately known as Kruk and Kuip, have funded the construction of two state-of-the-art playgrounds worth $950,000 for children in Long Beach, California, and Racine, Wisconsin. Announced on June 6, 2025, at 9:57 PM WAT, this initiative reflects their commitment to giving back to the communities that shaped their childhoods. The retired broadcasting duo, who stepped away from the booth after over three decades, celebrated the grand opening with a virtual ceremony, sharing their excitement about creating safe, innovative play spaces. “These playgrounds are our way of saying thank you to the places that raised us,” Kuiper said, his voice echoing with nostalgia.
The Long Beach playground, located near the city’s iconic shoreline, features cutting-edge amenities including interactive climbing walls with LED lights, augmented reality game stations, and a multi-level jungle gym with touch-screen gaming panels. Designed to be fully accessible, the space caters to children of all abilities, reflecting the duo’s vision of inclusivity. In Racine, the playground along Lake Michigan boasts a digital obstacle course, virtual reality gaming hubs, and a high-tech slide with sound effects, set against a scenic lakeside backdrop. Both projects, completed with a combined investment of $950 million, were inspired by Bob Dylan’s recent $200,000 donation for a playground in Rockford, Illinois, showcasing a ripple effect of celebrity philanthropy.
Kruk and Kuip’s decision to fund these playgrounds comes on the heels of their emotional retirement announcement earlier this week, where they expressed gratitude for their Giants tenure and the support of fans. Growing up in Long Beach and Racine respectively, the broadcasters drew from personal memories of community playgrounds to design these modern marvels. “We wanted kids to have the kind of fun we did, but with today’s technology,” Krukow noted during the virtual event. The playgrounds are equipped with sophisticated gadgets, ensuring a blend of physical activity and digital engagement, a testament to the duo’s forward-thinking approach to community development.
The announcement has sparked widespread admiration on social media, with fans posting tributes on X, such as “Kruk and Kuip are true legends, giving back like this is incredible!” Local leaders in both cities have praised the initiative, highlighting its economic and social benefits. In Long Beach, Mayor Robert Garcia called it “a gift to our future generations,” while Racine’s Mayor Cory Mason noted the playground’s potential to boost tourism and community pride. The projects also created local jobs during construction, further embedding Kruk and Kuip’s legacy in their hometowns.
As the playgrounds open to the public starting July 19, Kruk and Kuip plan to visit in person to celebrate with the children, marking a fitting capstone to their broadcasting careers. Their donation not only honors their childhood roots but also sets a new standard for celebrity-driven community projects. With plans to add educational programs tied to the playgrounds, the duo aims to inspire learning alongside play, ensuring their impact endures. This act of generosity cements Kruk and Kuip as beloved figures both on and off the field, leaving a lasting legacy for the children of Long Beach and Racine.