Applications are now being accepted for $67.5 million in capital funding to help municipalities and nonprofit organizations construct, expand, and renovate public playgrounds for all abilities across New York state.

The initiative is called NY PLAYS, which stands for New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization.

According to a release from the governor’s office, announcing the funding, research shows that outdoor play supports physical health, emotional well-being and social development.

The NY PLAYS Initiative is overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. Of the total funding available, not less than $35 million will be reserved for playground projects located in underserved communities, helping ensure equitable access to high-quality outdoor play spaces statewide.

Eligible municipalities and not-for-profit organizations may apply for NY PLAYS grants ranging from $100,000 to $2.5 million for the acquisition, design, construction, major renovation or equipping of public playgrounds, along with other related capital costs necessary to complete a project. Grantees must demonstrate a 20 percent match toward total project costs. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply.

The NY PLAYS Request for Applications and supporting materials are available on DASNY’s website at www.dasny.org/PLAYS. An informational webinar for potential applicants will be held on Feb. 13, 2026. Applications will be accepted from May 4 through June 15, 2026.

 Grant awards will be announced no earlier than Aug. 3, 2026, following a competitive review process that evaluates project readiness, community need, public benefit and overall impact. To qualify for funding, applicants must demonstrate site control, provide detailed project budgets with supporting documentation, and show evidence of committed matching funds.

Not-for-profit organizations must obtain prequalification status through New York State’s Statewide Financial System prior to submitting an application. Detailed information on SFS prequalification can be found at grantsmanagement.ny.gov/get-prequalified.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer