New York State Invests $67.5 Million To Build And Improve Playgrounds

$67.5 million in grants were announced today, September 22, 2026, for 89 projects to build, expand, and renovate public playgrounds across New York State through New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization.

Building and Improving New York State Playgrounds

These grants are designed to assist New York State municipalities and nonprofit organizations in creating and improving accessible outdoor spaces where children of all abilities can play, be active, and connect with their communities.

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These grants will result in 36 new playgrounds, 23 major expansions, and 30 renovations across 10 regions of the Empire State, according to the announcement, ranging from new adaptive and inclusive playgrounds to major improvements that will modernize existing neighborhood play spaces.

Playgrounds give children a place to be active, build friendships and connect with the world around them. Through NY PLAYS, we are investing in communities across our state and creating more safe, accessible places where children of all abilities can get outside and play. These projects will give more New York families opportunities to put down their devices, spend time together and build healthy habits that can last a lifetime. - New York State Governor Kathy Hochul

The 10 regions benefiting from these grants include the Capital Region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, Western New York, and New York City.

Southern Tier Grant Distribution

In the Southern Tier, 3.4 million in grants are being awarded to three municipalities:

• Village of Endicott: $409,200 to replace and expand the playground at Riverview Park.
• City of Norwich: $1.18 million to renovate the playground at Weiler Park.
• Village of Montour Falls:  $600,000 to construct an inclusive playground and adjacent ADA-compliant restrooms at the marina.

For more information, visit the New York governor's website.

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