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.
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.
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
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…
March 9, 2023
Jose Espinoza ›
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Jose, migrated to the U.S. in 2004 at the age of ten and has resided in East LA ever since. Jose attended public secular schools at…
September 22, 2017
Roderick Burnley ›
Roderick Burnley joined Playworks in 2016. As Program Director for Playworks Southern California, he leads the planning and implementation of Playworks’ comprehensive school-based play and youth development programming, school partnership…