Impact Report
Update from the Executive Director
Dear Playworks Northern California Community,
After three incredible years as your Northern California Executive Director, I am excited to step into my new role as Playworks California Vice President. While my title will change, my connection to this extraordinary team, and to our region, remains as strong as ever. I am so proud of everything we have accomplished together and I can’t wait to support Playworks Northern California from a statewide perspective.
Looking back on my time as Executive Director, fills me with awe at our collective resilience and innovation. Since 2022, we haven’t just rebounded from pandemic challenges, we’ve redefined what’s possible. Together, we’ve sharpened our strategies, improved our school prioritization and matching process, and dramatically expanded our Relay and Pro Consultative programs to equip more adults with the tools to create transformative play experiences to youth in the Bay and beyond. We’ve proven that when we dream big and work together, anything is possible.
The numbers speak for themselves: 98,787 children discovered joy, confidence, and connection through play the past year alone. Partnerships like our consultative support to Del Norte in the northernmost part of our state broke new ground for our impact reach. And day after day, countless stories from coaches in the field reminded us how something as seemingly simple as recess can change a child’s entire school experience. The achievements you will read about in this annual report belong to all of you… our passionate staff, dedicated partners, generous donors, and tireless advocates who believe in the power of play to shape brighter futures.
As I transition to my statewide role, I do so knowing Northern California’s future is in the most capable hands. The momentum we’ve built together is unstoppable, and I’ll be cheering you on louder than ever from my new vantage point. Thank you for making these past three years so profoundly meaningful. #OneTeamOneDream.
With joy and gratitude,
Laura Medina Quintanar Powers
This year we served
98,787
Students
690
Youth Leaders
198
School partners & community-based organizations
“Since partnering with Playworks, our classroom and playground have leveled up! Recess used to be a mix of chaos and ‘he said, she said’ debates, but now? It’s teamwork, high-fives, and problem-solving in action. Students are more engaged, more inclusive, and bringing that same positive energy back into the classroom. I’ve seen shy kids step into leadership roles, classmates cheer each other on, and best of all—disputes settled with a simple game of rock-paper-scissors instead of a trip to my desk. Playworks didn’t just change recess; it transformed our whole learning community into a space where play builds confidence, kindness, and collaboration. And honestly? It’s been a game-changer—literally! ”
– K-5 Classroom Teacher, Oakland USD
According to our Annual Survey,
% of educators agree that Playworks helps…
increase the number of students that are
physically active
98%
increase the number of students engaged in healthy play with their peers.
97%
strengthen relationships between students and adults in the community
96%
create an engaging learning environment for students
94%
