New York Opens $67.5M NY PLAYS Grants to Build And Upgrade Public Playgrounds Statewide
Albany, N.Y. — New York is rolling out a new round of funding aimed at one of the simplest parts of family life: a safe place for kids to play. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration says the NY PLAYS initiative will provide $67.5 million to help communities build, expand, or renovate public playgrounds designed for children of all abilities.
State officials said the competitive program is part of Hochul’s broader “Unplug and Play” effort to encourage outdoor recreation and in-person connection for children and families. The initiative is overseen by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).
Municipalities and nonprofit organizations can seek $100,000 to $2.5 million for costs tied to acquiring, designing, constructing, renovating, or equipping playgrounds. Applicants must provide a 20% match, and for-profit entities are not eligible, according to the state. At least $35 million is reserved for projects in underserved communities.
What parents should know
If your neighborhood lacks accessible play equipment, consider sharing specific needs with your town/city parks department or local nonprofit partners now, before applications are drafted. Watch for community meetings about park plans—letters of support and clear local need can strengthen a proposal.
The request for applications is expected to be available beginning this week, with an applicant webinar in mid-February. Applications will be accepted from early May through mid-June, and awards are to be announced no earlier than early August. Families can track updates on DASNY’s NY PLAYS program page.
This article was produced by an education parenting today journalist with the assistance of AI. This is not legal advice. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
