5 Years of Play in the Pacific Northwest!

  1. Updates

2009-2010

  • Playworks opens the Portland office on June 30, 2009
  • Starts partnerships with 8 schools in the Portland metro area and adds a 9th school mid-year
  • 7 AmeriCorps members serving the Portland area
  • KATU features Playworks at Woodlawn School in NE Portland

2010-2011

  • Playworks named one of Oregon Business Journal's Top 100 Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon
  • Serving 14 schools in the Portland metro area
  • Playworks Portland hosts Playworks Twin Cities for Pre-Service, a week long orientation and training for Coaches before the school year begins

2011-2012

  • Serving 14 schools in the Portland metro area
  • 7 AmeriCorps Members serving with Playworks
  • Playworks Portland travels to Detroit for Pre-Service

2012-2013

  • Playworks named one of Oregon Business Journal's Top 100 Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon
  • Playworks Portland moves from their office on NW 23rd St. to a new colorful space on SE Madison St.
  • Playworks is featured on KOIN News for combating bullying
  • Playworks breaks its fundraising goal for the 4th Annual Corporate Kickball Fundraiser with support from hubbub health.

2013-2014

  • Playworks PacNW is givena Light a Fire Award for “Inspiring the Next Generation” by Portland Monthly Magazine.
  • Playworks PacNW named Oregon’s best medium sized 100 Nonprofit to Work For by the Oregon Business Journal.
  • Playworks is named a 2014 Stand Together Featured Partner by the Portland Timbers FC.
  • Playworks holds its first Keep Portland Playful Fundraiser at Jeld-Wen Field.
  • Playworks added a new school, Alder Elementary mid-year. Serving 15 schools total and three different school districts in Oregon: Reynolds, Hillsboro, and Portland.
  • Kaiser Permanente Community Fund continues to support the power of play, by awarding a two-year $400,000 grant to Playworks in the Pacific Northwest.

More Updates


February 11, 2025

Resourceful Play with Minimal Equipment ›

Imagine a rainy day when outdoor recess is canceled or a play area with no traditional play equipment in sight. Even in these moments, kids, with the help of adults,…

January 13, 2025

Making Any Space a Playspace ›

Play is essential to a child’s development, regardless of whether it happens on a bustling playground, in a quiet classroom, or even in a small hallway. While a traditional outdoor…

November 22, 2024

Power of Play at the Bridge Conference ›

Transforming youth development through the power of play—our training at the Bridge Conference brought connection, creativity, and collaboration to center stage! On November 4, we had the honor of showcasing…