In 1995, Playworks Founder Jill Vialet sat down with an elementary school principal who shared a problem that would change everything: “What I really need help with is recess. Can you do anything about that?”
What started as a simple question sparked a movement. Jill took the challenge and Playworks was born.
From those early days running games on a single playground, Playworks has grown into a national leader in play‑based learning and youth development. Three decades later, one thing has never changed: our belief that play matters. Play is more than a break in the school day. It is a powerful tool that helps kids build friendships, practice leadership, strengthen communication, solve problems, and discover their potential.
This season, as we honor 30 years of impact, we’re also looking ahead. Because the future of play—and the future of millions of kids—depends on what we do together today.
A Movement Rooted in Joy and Leadership
From the very beginning, play has been our medium for building stronger, more connected communities. When children feel safe, included, and supported during recess, the ripple effect reaches far beyond the playground. They return to class more ready to learn. They treat peers and adults with more empathy. They gain confidence through leading games and supporting one another.
For students like Mikela, a fifth‑grade Junior Coach in Playworks’ leadership program, play became the pathway to discovering her voice.
Mikela jumped at the chance to join Junior Coaches and quickly took on a mentoring role with younger students. She bonded with Stella, a kindergartner who loved tag, and formed a friendship with Kimberly, a fellow Junior Coach who became “like a sister.” Through these relationships, she realized leadership wasn’t about directing others, it was about lifting them up, making them feel seen, and bringing joy to someone else’s day.
These are the kinds of experiences your generosity makes possible. When you support Playworks, you invest in young people discovering they are capable leaders—on and off the playground.
Celebrating 30 Years and Reaching for the Next 30
Playworks began as a way to bring joy and structure to one playground. Today, it has grown into a nationwide network supporting millions of children across hundreds of communities.
We’ve expanded our reach through innovative programs and partnerships. We’ve launched SparkPlay, digital training tools that allow educators and youth program staff to access Playworks resources anytime they need them. And we’ve continued evolving our models to reach more children regardless of location, funding level, or school size.
Yet one thing remains the heart of our mission: giving every child the chance to experience safe, healthy, and inviting play.
That is the promise we are committed to carrying into our next 30 years.
Educators Are Seeing the Difference
Playworks doesn’t just transform recess—it strengthens entire school communities. We hear from educators year after year who share how training, coaching, and structured play have reshaped their work with kids.
School counselor Sherri Beck, M.Ed., is one of them.
She expanded the Junior Coach Leadership Program at her school to ensure every student had an opportunity to lead. She intentionally recruited children with a wide range of experiences, including those who might not typically be viewed as leaders.
“We want them to see themselves in a positive light and in a role of ‘I’m a leader and these kids are depending upon me,’” Sherri shared. “We’ve seen kids thrive in this role.”
Today, her program engages hundreds of students every day. The leadership skills they practice—encouragement, communication, teamwork, connection—extend across classrooms, friendships, and families.
“Any time you contribute to a program that helps students build real life skills, you’re investing in the future of the entire community,” Sherri says. “Even small gifts have a huge impact.”
Play That Connects Us All
Fourth grader Odessa joined the Junior Coach Program this year because she wanted to connect with older students like Mikela and Kimberly. Through shared responsibility, shared laughter, and shared games, she found belonging and purpose.
“I like being silly with the kids,” Odessa said. “Laughing and playing together makes a connection that goes beyond the recess yard.”
This is what play does. It breaks down barriers. It builds bridges. It gives children a safe space to practice kindness, courage, problemsolving, and cooperation.
And it reminds all of us that joy is an essential part of learning and life in general.
Our Vision for the Future
Playworks’ vision is simple and bold: every child in America should have access to safe, fun, and healthy play every day.
We know this future is possible. We’ve seen what happens when schools commit to facilitated play. We’ve seen what happens when educators are supported, when recess teams are trained, when students are empowered, and when communities come together to invest in children.
But we can’t reach that vision alone.
How You Can Make an Immediate Impact
This season, your gift strengthens:
- Playground systems that create safe and welcoming environments
- Training for educators who supervise recess and support student well‑being
- Digital resources that put leadership tools in the hands of schools nationwide
- Leadership opportunities for students like Odessa, Mikela, and Kimberly
- Community connections that bring joy and play to every corner of a school campus
Together, we can build stronger communities starting with safer and healthier recess for all kids.
Your gift helps Playworks bring connection, confidence, and joy to countless students, educators, and families.
Give Today: Help Build the Next 30 Years of Play
As the year comes to a close, we invite you to join us in celebrating 30 years of impact—and investing in the next 30.
If you give before December 31, your gift will directly fuel our programs in 2026.
Play matters. Leadership matters. Community matters.
And when we invest in kids through play, we invest in a brighter, more connected future for all of us.
Thank you for believing in the power of play!
