Access to well-designed outdoor play spaces is integral to a child’s growth, development, and well-being. Recently, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new funding opportunity through the New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) Initiative. This is excellent news for childcare programs, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations wanting to construct, expand, or renew public playgrounds across the state.
This initiative is but one part of a broader statewide initiative to encourage outdoor recreation and decrease screen time. With any new funding opportunity, questions will come up. Am I eligible for this opportunity? What materials or equipment can I purchase with this grant funding? How can I make any awarded grant funding stretch further for my project?
With decades of experience in early childhood education, Kaplan understands the impact initiatives such as these have on the children, families, and communities they serve. This article will address the questions above, and more so, you can confidently apply for the NY PLAYS funding and plan your grant-funded playground projects.
The NY PLAYS Initiative is a competitive grant program announced by Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York. The program will provide $67.5 million in capital funding to support the construction, renovation, and expansion of public playgrounds across the state.
This funding initiative is designed to create safe, inclusive outdoor environments where children can be active, connect with others, and develop important physical and social skills. Playgrounds built or improved through this program are expected to serve children of all abilities and provide welcoming spaces for families and communities.
The NY PLAYS Initiative is part of the state’s broader “Unplug and Play” effort, which encourages children and families to spend more time outdoors and participate in physical activity rather than relying on digital devices.
Playgrounds do more than provide a place for children to have fun and run around. Outdoor play environments support many aspects of child development, such as:
Your playground is a space where children form friendships, build confidence, and develop lifelong healthy habits. Investing in your playground infrastructure helps ensure children and families have safe, accessible places to nurture these crucial skills.
This funding opportunity is designed to support programs that serve communities across New York State. This includes:
The program prioritizes equitable access to outdoor play spaces. At least $35 million of the total funding is reserved for projects located in underserved communities, helping ensure playground improvements benefit areas with the greatest need.
For profit entities are not eligible to apply.
Eligible recipients could receive between $100,000 to $2.5 million for the acquistion, design, construction, or renovation of public playgrounds in New York State. Grantees must demonstrate a 20% match toward total project costs.
You can spend your grant funding on a variety of projects that improve outdoor play experiences for young children. This can include:
To apply for this grant funding opportunity, submit an application via the NY PLAYS website. Applications will be accepted from May 4th through June 15th, 2026. Grant awards will be announced no earlier than August 3, 2026, following a competitive review process that evaluates the following:
To qualify for funding, applicants must demonstrate site control, provide detailed project budgets with supporting documentation, and show evidence of committed matching funds totaling 20%.
Kaplan Early Learning Company partners with schools, municipalities, and organizations to create engaging play environments that support children’s development. Our team can help you design developmentally appropriate playgrounds, select age-appropriate equipment, make inclusive accommodations to support all children at play, and more.
Whether you’re planning a new playground or renovating an exisiting outdoor space, our team is here to help! Contact us today for guidance and support as you navigate your NY PLAYS grant-funded projects.