What is Playful City USA?

Playful City USA is an application-based national recognition program honoring cities and towns that make play a priority and use innovative programs to get children active, playing, and healthy. Playful City USA communities make a commitment to play and physical activity by developing unique local action plans to increase the access to play in their community. In doing so, some of the most innovative concepts and cost-effective programs are being developed in Playful City USA communities.

Playful City USA Grants

A total of 103 Let's Play Grants worth $2.1 million are available to Playful City USA communities between 2011–13. The $20,000 Construction Grants can be used towards the purchase of playground equipment that will be built using the community-build model. The $15,000 and $30,000 Access Grants are available for projects relating to joint-use agreements to open school playground facilities to the public during non-school hours.

How does your city qualify?

Playful City USA designees map local playspaces, complete a needs assessment, and develop an action plan that identifies a minimum of three policies, programs, or initiatives aimed at increasing access to play at school, in neighborhoods, and through community engagement.

• Map Local Playspaces
  Learn more about the number, quality, and location of playspaces in your city by conducting a playspace audit. Use this research to identify Play Deserts—child rich, playspace poor areas.
• Complete a Needs Assessment
  Evaluate existing play policies and initiatives in the community and determine areas that could be strengthened or where new programs can be developed.
• Share Best Practices
  Highlight three best practices based on your needs assessment that provide the framework to implement a minimum of three policies or programs. Improve access to play at school, in neighborhoods, and through community engagement.

More Questions?

If you have questions about Playful City USA, the application, or the grant opportunities, please contact the Playful City USA Team. Contact MJ by phone at 202.464.6195 or by email at mj@kaboom.org or reach Tia at 202.464.6187 or thodges@kaboom.org.

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