Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the launch of a new grant program under the New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) Initiative. The program will provide $67.5 million in capital funding to municipalities and nonprofit organizations for constructing, expanding, and renovating public playgrounds across New York State.
The NY PLAYS Initiative is part of the Governor’s broader Unplug and Play Initiative, which aims to encourage children and families to participate in outdoor activities and social interactions rather than using electronic devices. According to research cited by state officials, outdoor play supports children’s physical health, emotional well-being, and social development.
“Playgrounds are where kids build confidence, friendships, and lifelong healthy habits,” Governor Hochul said. “Through the NY PLAYS Initiative, we’re helping communities across New York create safe, inclusive outdoor spaces that support physical activity, emotional well-being and real human connection. By investing in playgrounds, we’re investing in the health and happiness of our children of all abilities and the strength of our neighborhoods.”
The initiative is managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with administration by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). At least $35 million from the total funds will be allocated specifically for projects in underserved communities to promote equitable access to quality play spaces throughout the state.
Eligible applicants include municipalities and nonprofit organizations seeking grants between $100,000 and $2.5 million for playground-related capital costs such as acquisition, design, construction or major renovation. A 20 percent match toward total project costs is required from grantees. For-profit entities are not eligible.
DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez stated: “DASNY is proud to administer the NY PLAYS Initiative and support communities as they invest in playgrounds that promote healthy development, creativity and social connection. These projects strengthen neighborhoods, expand access to safe outdoor spaces, and reflect the Governor’s commitment to helping young New Yorkers unplug, get outside and engage with one another in meaningful ways.”
New York State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser added: “Quality, accessible playgrounds are a magnet that draw young families outside and help ignite a lifelong love of parks and nature. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, the NY PLAYS initiative will build more playgrounds in our communities and encourage more children to make new friends and take part in healthy, active recreation.”
The application process opens January 6, 2026 on DASNY’s website at www.dasny.org/PLAYS. An informational webinar for interested applicants is scheduled for February 13, 2026. Applications will be accepted from May 4 through June 15, 2026.
Grant recipients will be announced no earlier than August 3, 2026 after a competitive review process evaluating project readiness, community need, public benefit and overall impact. Applicants must demonstrate site control; provide detailed budgets with supporting documentation; show evidence of committed matching funds; and nonprofit organizations must obtain prequalification status through New York State’s Statewide Financial System before applying.
State Senator José M. Serrano commented: “The New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) Initiative is an important investment for municipalities and nonprofit organizations to construct, expand and renovate public playgrounds across New York State. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation I firmly believe spending time outdoors is vital to our health and overall wellbeing. Many thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul and my colleagues in government for working to maintain and expand this important initiative to ensure New Yorkers have safe places to play outside.”
Governor Hochul’s Unplug and Play Initiative has previously supported other recreational investments such as NY SWIMS—which awarded $200 million for swimming projects—and NY BRICKS—which provided $100 million toward community centers—demonstrating ongoing efforts by state leadership to improve recreational infrastructure statewide.
