About Playworks Southern California

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 Southern California


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Southern California in 2009. Playworks Southern California serves low-income schools through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Southern California 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


headshot of Anthony
headshot of Anthony

September 23, 2025

Anthony Pacheco ›

My journey to Playworks has been shaped by a lifelong passion for sports, especially football, which I played from elementary through college. Inspired by my brother, a former Playworks program…

headshot of Marvin
headshot of Marvin

September 23, 2025

Marvin Brooks ›

Hey! My name is Marvin Brooks Jr and I currently go by Coach Marvin! I graduated in 2023 from California State University, Long Beach with a degree in Psychology and…

headshot of Celeste
headshot of Celeste

August 12, 2019

Celeste Soto ›

Celeste joined the Playworks team in July 2019 as Development Director. Her introduction to Playworks came via her previous position with the LA Galaxy Foundation, where she developed her passion…

Join the Team


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

Open positions