Smart Spending: How Cities Are Using Grants to Upgrade Community Playgrounds

Funding a playground for upgrades and improvements is no small feat. Limited resources and budgets have made it harder for communities looking to modernize play areas. That said, there are dedicated funds available for these types of projects. The key is knowing where to look and then using that money wisely. 

Below, three main sources of playground grants, as well as information on how to best use this funding for upgrading community playgrounds and meeting the residents’ needs. 

Types of Funding and Grants 

There are three main sources of playground funding: federal grants, state-level supported grants, and local fundraising. 

Federal Grants 

The overarching goal for many federal grants is to support community efforts and promote physical activity. Federal grants for playground equipment are available from numerous sources, including government agencies and private organizations. 

From an agency standpoint, the U.S. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a good starting point for research. This agency focuses on enhancing community engagement and encouraging accessibility and inclusion. They are particularly focused on enhancing the well-being of low- and moderate-income individuals and families residing in HUD-supported housing. 

The National Park Service (NPS) collaborates with other federal agencies as well as state and local governments to broaden the reach of its mission of parks and recreation. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) helps fund programs such as playground construction and enhancements for children’s overall support and well-being. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is dedicated to providing resources and education to communities around the many benefits of playgrounds. They offer an inspection certification program to ensure playground safety, so this agency will be focused on playground plans where safety is top of mind. 

Money is also available on a federal level via different government-led programs. Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) are administered by HUD and provide funding to local governments for various development projects. Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF) support outdoor recreation projects. 

When looking at federal funding, remember that everyone in the United States is looking at the same information that you are. Funding may seem more plentiful, but remember that your project is one small fish in a rather large pond. That’s why it’s a good idea to look into other funding as well, such as state-level supported grants. 

State-Level Support

Knowing that playgrounds can support tourism efforts, many states are focused on providing grants to cities focused on bringing people together through play. When looking for state-level support, you’ll come across state agencies with different funds set aside for recreational facilities as well as non-profit organizations. 

State agencies, such as parks and recreation departments, are a great place to start in terms of research. These departments are super focused on getting families outdoors, and enticing them with play areas is always a winning idea. In terms of other agencies, this will really vary state-to-state. In New York, the “Unplug and Play” program is funded through the Environmental Bond Act, which invests in both playground builds and renovations. In California, the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program was established to build new recreational facilities in underserved communities. 

When conducting your research, it can be helpful to start on your state governor’s website. They may have resources listed out for specific recreational and children-based grants. From there, ask around and see what other playgrounds in the state have been funded and how they got their resources. 

Local Funding

Don’t give up on local funding, either! Local businesses know your community the best, meaning they know exactly how the area will benefit from a new playground design or enhancement. Many organizations, including foundations and nonprofits, offer playground-specific community project grants. The big box retailer or the chain grocery store on Main Street may have some money from their headquarters that they are granted for community needs. 

Local funding can also come from private donations. Community events such as bake sales, sports tournaments, and car washes are all great ways to bring the residents together for a common cause. Not only does it drum up support, but with the right planning and preparation, it can be quite lucrative too. Online donations are also a popular option today. A social media campaign or a few dedicated email newsletter blasts can get more people involved and raise money as well. 

How Cities Can Best Use Grants for Playground Upgrades

Now that you have an understanding of where the money can come from, here are a few suggestions on how to best use the funding to improve your current playground project. 

Construction and Renovation

First off, grants are often used to either add to or renovate an existing playground. The money can be used to repair or purchase new equipment, upgrade surfacing materials, or even incorporate natural elements. Newer equipment can modernize the outdated playground, making it more appealing to children today. 

Accessibility and Inclusive Efforts

Playgrounds built a few decades ago didn’t necessarily need to abide by certain accessibility and inclusive regulations. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) didn’t come into law until 1990, meaning playgrounds built before then may not be up to standard. And it wasn’t until 2010 that new play areas had to follow accessibility requirements. Because of this, grant money can go toward efforts to update older playgrounds and ensure they are accessible and welcoming to all children, regardless of physical abilities. 

Community Needs

Grants are also commonly used to update designs to ensure they meet the community’s growing needs. A smaller playground, for instance, may have been fine in Austin, Texas, until the recent population boom, when more families flocked to the city during and shortly after the pandemic. Or, more age-appropriate equipment can be added to a playground that serves multiple age groups rather than just one age group.