About Playworks New York/New Jersey

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 York/New Jersey


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to New York/New Jersey in 2009. Playworks New York/New Jersey serves low-income schools across the area through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across New York/New Jersey through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.

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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


April 3, 2019

Daniel Speciale ›

Daniel Speciale joined Playworks as a Regional Pro Trainer in Western New York responsible for delivering Playworks professional development training for youth-facing staff. Most recently he was a human services…

September 22, 2017

Basheer Smith ›

Bash joined Playworks in 2015 as a Playworks AmeriCorps Coach and has since advanced to become the Director of Impact & Strategic Partnerships for the New York/New Jersey region. In…

July 25, 2019

Robin Grossman ›

Robin Grossman is the Executive Director of Playworks New York/New Jersey. Robin provides leadership, vision, and strategy to the team based on her 25 years of experience in the nonprofit…

Join the Team


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

Open positions