New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS)

The New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) Initiative is a competitive capital grant program introduced by Governor Kathy Hochul and jointly overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP) and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). This initiative was established to address the critical need for safe, inclusive, and accessible public playgrounds throughout New York State. With a total budget allocation of $67.5 million, NY PLAYS focuses on the design, construction, and major renovation of public playgrounds, particularly in communities experiencing social, economic, or infrastructure disparities. At least $35 million of this funding is specifically earmarked for projects located in underserved communities. NY PLAYS aims to support municipalities and eligible not-for-profit organizations in creating or upgrading playgrounds that are open and accessible to the public year-round. Eligible applicants include counties, cities, towns, villages, public school districts, and Indian Nations, as well as not-for-profit entities registered and prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS). The program excludes for-profit organizations and any project elements not directly related to capital costs associated with playground development. Eligible uses of funds include acquisition, design, major renovation, and equipment for public playgrounds, but specifically exclude operating expenses, staff salaries, utilities, planning documents, or debt service. Grantees are required to demonstrate site control for the proposed project and must contribute at least 20% of the total capital costs from non-NY PLAYS sources. Applications must be submitted between May 4, 2026, and June 15, 2026. Prior to that, prospective applicants are encouraged to participate in a recorded informational webinar released on February 13, 2026, and submit any questions by February 23, 2026. Responses will be posted by March 3, 2026. All applications must be emailed to [email protected] by the submission deadline and include all required forms, worksheets, and documentation in a single email. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility and documentation requirements, including prequalification for nonprofits, before submission. The evaluation process involves a three-step scoring system. In Step One, applications are reviewed for eligibility based on applicant and project criteria. Step Two assesses community need and project planning through a worksheet-based scoring system, with a minimum score of 20 required to proceed. Applicants scoring 20 or more points in the Community Need worksheet are designated as being from "Underserved Communities." In Step Three, eligible applications are further evaluated based on project impact (up to 20 points) and project viability (up to 40 points), including financial readiness and planning documentation. A total minimum score of 70 is required for grant consideration. Grants will range from $100,000 to $2,500,000, depending on project scope and priority level. Priority is given to three types of projects: new playground construction, major expansion of existing playgrounds, and renovation of existing playgrounds. Awards will be made from both priority-specific funding pools and a base pool that redistributes unallocated funds. Final award announcements will be made no earlier than August 3, 2026. Successful applicants will be required to enter into a Grant Disbursement Agreement (GDA) with DASNY, outlining conditions and compliance requirements for fund disbursement and project execution. The program emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility in playground design, requiring compliance with ADA and CPSC safety standards. Playgrounds must be freely accessible to the public, seven days a week, year-round, and must not be gated or require assistance for access. Projects are encouraged to integrate natural elements and adaptive equipment for children with diverse physical and cognitive needs. Eligible projects must also comply with local and state laws and complete SEQR environmental reviews. Any deviation from the program's strict criteria—including site control, financial documentation, and project eligibility—may result in disqualification.

Ensure SFS prequalification is complete early. Confirm site control and match funds. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.