DOE invests $12 million to build playgrounds
The Department of Education awarded a $12 million grant to the non-profit group Out2Play Inc. to construct 70 new playgrounds across New York City’s five boroughs. The first 30 playgrounds are slated for completion by the end of 2010, according to Crain’s New York Business. No word yet where the new playgrounds will be located.
When Out2Play was established in 2005, founder Andrea Wenner set a goal to transform 150 empty schoolyards into playgrounds. Five years later, 80 playgrounds span nearly one million square feet of previously-vacant space in each borough. The city’s grant will be added to $6 million raised by Out2Play to accomplish Wenner’s goal.
In a recent interview with Crain’s New York Business, Wenner explained that the funding “is going to go a long way in ensuring that the children who come through these schools every year will have a place to be active, to play and to have fun.”
The work of Out2Play will also help fulfill the goals of the city’s PlaNYC initiative — a ten-point program aimed at improving living conditions in the city while protecting the environment. The initiative’s goals include creating new homes for nearly one million residents and reducing carbon emissions by 30 percent.
Photo courtesy of Out2Play Inc.
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This is great news!
Comment by Lisa — January 15, 2010 @ 9:26 am
How can I get one of these playgrounds in my school P.S.81.? MY SCHOOL IS L0CATED IN AN UNDERPRIVILEDGED NEIGHBORHOOD IN BROOKLYN where our children barely have a place to play and exercise. IN THIS COMMUNITY OBESITY IS A GREAT FACTOR AND ITS AFFECTING OUR CHILDREN. On behalf of our children and their future I would love t see our school become a recipient of one of these playgrounds.
Thank you
Ms. Daniels
Parent Coordinator
Comment by Judith Daniels — January 20, 2010 @ 2:19 pm
Ms. Daniels: If you go to Out2Play’s website (link is in the blog post), then click on Projects at the top of the page, you’ll then see a list and description of current projects and a link that says Apply for One. If you click that, it will open an email window. Obviously there would be much more to do, but I guess that’s how they want you to start. It can’t hurt!
Comment by Amy Mintzer — January 20, 2010 @ 2:51 pm
There are outdoor spaces where kids can play even if the parents have to make a special effort to get them there. Why not use the money to subsidize MetroCards for students whose parents cannot afford to purchase them? (I’m referring to the governor’s plan to eliminate free MetroCards for students). During these tough times, I just don’t think this is the appropriate priority.
Comment by Lisa — January 20, 2010 @ 6:04 pm
Lisa – I am in total agreement with you. The governor is again going to slash schools budgets by another 5%. There is a hiring freeze and class sizes are growing. It’s a shame that many schools do not have outdoor play space, but times are tough and I don’t think a playground is a priority.
Comment by Karen — January 20, 2010 @ 9:10 pm
The two issues are applies and oranges. Who’s to say that if this money were not being used for active play that it would go to Mterocards. These two issues are important and it is a shame funds are not available for both.
As for active play it is imperative that children have an opportunity to use their gross motor skills. It is great for letting off some steam, for coordination, for problem solving skills, and for socialization. I think bringing playgrounds to where they did not exist is wonderful.
Comment by Mercy — January 23, 2010 @ 9:18 am