This week, Playworks wrapped up our eighth summer partnering with the Highland Street Foundation to bring free community programming to Boston youth. Since 2012, Playworks has supported the Highland Street Foundation to run recess at TADpole10 — a weekly event at the TADpole Playground in the Boston Common. This program provides 300 preschool-aged children with two hours of enrichment activities every Thursday.
Every week, kids were greeted by high-five tunnel before sitting down for a story from a local storyteller. Then the children transitioned to recess with Playworks! Kids rotate through games like Hula-Hoop Lava, Snake, Parachute, and Freeze Dance.
Playworks is also a key partner in the Highland Street’s Out of the Park events that bring the excitement of Yawkey Way and Fenway Park to local parks in Boston throughout the summer. This year Playworks participated in two Out of the Park events in July and August to run games and encourage kids to get in the game!
“Thanks to our partnership with Playworks,” says Noreen McMahon, Senior Director of Programs at Highland Street, “coaches are there to ensure all the kids are active participants in Out of the Park events, playing whiffle ball, kickball, trying out the official Red Sox batting cages and testing their pitching skills.”
The Highland Street Foundation’s summer programs—including TADpole10, Out of the Park, Free Fun Fridays, and more—provide valuable, free-of-charge enrichment opportunities for Boston youth during the school break. We are proud to partner with Highland Street because they share Playworks’ core values of respect, inclusion, and healthy play. Thanks for another great summer!
