About Playworks New England

All kids deserve the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play. We help schools and youth programs create healthy play environments where every child can join in.

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Meet Playworks New England


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to New England in 2006. Playworks New England serves low-income schools across the Boston, Lawrence, Salem, and Somerville area through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across New England through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.

Meet our Service Partners

Learn about our Impact

Our Mission


Playworks’ mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

Our Vision


Playworks’ vision is that one day every child in America will have access to safe, fun, healthy play every day.

Meet Our People


September 18, 2023

Molly Rosen ›

Molly joined Playworks in 2019 as a site coordinator after working for Scholar Athletes for two years. She worked with high schoolers at Fenway High School on academic coaching, health…

September 25, 2023

Melissa Pennington ›

Melissa started with Playworks in August 2023. She brings 10 years of experience in the nonprofit field with a focus and passion for youth development. She was inspired to join…

February 7, 2020

Murat Emmanuel ›

Murat, or ‘Coach M’, began a site coordinator working at the Chittick Elementary School and McKinley Middle School in Boston. Prior to stepping into his role as a program specialist,…

Join the Team


We’re hiring! Join us on the playground or behind the scenes.

Open positions