In 2017 NRPA collaborated with The Walt Disney Company to expand the Meet Me at the Park program by awarding grants to local communities that provide new opportunities for inclusive play and physical activity for kids and families. Now in the second year of the program, the Meet Me at the Park play spaces program is awarding 25 new grants to park and recreation agencies and cities nationwide. These $30,000 grants will support projects that increase access to play spaces in local parks for children and families. Check out the 2018 grants below!

Meet Me at the Park Play Spaces Grants Make a Big Impact

So far 50 communities have received Meet Me at the Park Play Spaces grants and they are making a big impact. Check out the mobile Tiny House in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and the community-inspired Tike Track in Port Huron, Michigan.


2018 Selected Projects

Alabama: City of Birmingham

Bessie Estell Park - inclusive play space.

Arkansas: City of Pine Bluff

Davis Street community garden and play space.

Colorado: City of Colorado Springs

Fountain Park at Hillside Community Center - beginner bike course.

Florida: Broward County

Quiet Waters Park - nature trail.

Georgia: The City of Augusta

Henry H. Brigham Park - inclusive play space.

Iowa: City of Des Moines

Belle Turner Park - inclusive trail space.

Iowa: City of Vinton

Riverside Park - natural play space and pathway.

Illinois: City of Highland

Rinderer Park - nature play space with ramps and inclusive features.

Illinois: Marion Park District

Heartland Regional Medical Center - inclusive playground.

Kansas: Unified Government of Wyandotte County

Fisher Park - inclusive play space.

Maine: City of Lewiston

Marcotte Park - inclusive play space.

Minnesota: Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

North Mississippi Regional Park - ninja themed nature play area.

North Carolina: City of Greensboro

Brightwood Park - nature play space with STEM in mind.

North Carolina: City of Mount Airy

Riverside Park- transform basketball court into multi-court for people of all abilities.

Ohio: City of Columbus

Carriage Place Park - new nature themed playground.

Ohio: City of Toledo

Junction Park - outdoor performing space with connection to nature and imagination.

Oklahoma: Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma

Pirau Park means "Children's Park" - park renovation with new basketball court and enhanced gathering spaces.

Pennsylvania: City of Coatesville

Palmer Park - revitalization blending traditional recreation activities with re-imagined nature play.

Rhode Island: City of Central Falls

Sacred Heart Park - basketball court refurbishment.

South Carolina: City of Florence

Florence Inclusive Park – increased accessibility for new inclusive playground.

Texas: Hidalgo County Precinct 3

Katrina Park - safe nature trail with fitness amenities.

Vermont: City of Burlington

Oakledge Park - universal access to play space.

Washington: City of Bremerton

Manette Neighborhood Park - multi-sport court and innovative parks features.

Wisconsin: City of Milwaukee

Foundation Park - design and installation of play space surfacing with cultural symbols significant to the Hmong community.

West Virginia: Greater Huntington

St. Cloud Commons – “Play Has No Limits” inclusive play space.


2017 Selected Projects

Alabama: Selma

Resurfacing of tennis courts at Memorial Stadium to create better accessibility for participants of all abilities.

Arizona: Yuma

Candy Land-inspired play space at Joe Henry Optimist Park will provide new activities that will encourage balance, coordination, dexterity, strength, and problem solving.

California: Redding

Installation of a multi-purpose sport court at Magnolia Park will create an inclusive space where children and families can be physically active.

California: West Sacramento

Renovation of Elkhorn Park to create an innovative multicultural and intergenerational family space.

Florida: Tampa

Enhance 3 playgrounds by adding new elements specifically designed for children with autism to enable them to interact with their peers in a new and inclusive way.

Georgia: Gwinnett County

Dinosaur replica statues placed at various trail locations will encourage people to hike the trail, find the dinosaurs and learn about them through interpretive signage.

Iowa: Iowa City

Construction of a 2.51 acre accessible nature play area at the new Riverfront Crossing Park, an urban brownfield reclamation site.

Idaho: Kuna

Creation of an interactive sculpture in the downtown district focused on youth with integrated play features.

Kentucky: Louisville

A box truck and trailer will transport supplies and equipment to engage children outdoors, bringing mobile nature play to urban parks.

Maryland: Baltimore

Natural elements and activities installed along the Gwynns Falls Trail will help kids move and explore nature.

Michigan: Detroit

Michigan frog and bee species will come to life through whimsical play elements along the riverfront walk at the W.G. Milliken State Park in Detroit.

Michigan: Port Huron

Creation of the Little Sprouts Nature Play Park and Tike Trak at Palmer Park to introduce biking skills and safety to children.

Mississippi: Ocean Springs

Creation of a playground at Little Children’s Park that is fully accessible for participants with disabilities.

North Carolina: Mecklenburg County

An accessible tiny house will serve as a mobile play center for early intervention & inclusive play in Mecklenburg County's most underserved neighborhoods.

New Hampshire: Manchester

Creation of a new inclusive play area the Gossler Park School to support walkability and play for students.

New Jersey: Bloomfield

The Morris Canal Greenway will be enhanced with physical activity and recreation components at on-trail kiosks.

New Mexico: Farmington

Creation of walking paths and accessibility upgrades at the city's soccer complex to better facilitate recreation opportunities for all.

Nevada: Henderson

In partnership with Henderson Libraries, literacy, fitness, and the outdoors will be combined by presenting stories along a trail.

Ohio: Youngstown

Creation of an accessible and walkable route within Borts Field park to create a welcoming space for the entire community to use.

Pennsylvania: Pottstown

A nature play space will be built at Memorial Park to better connect children with the natural environment.

South Carolina: Charleston

The repurposing of two outdoor courts for multiple uses to allow more options and greater accessibility.

Tennessee: Chattanooga

New adventure trail at Strechi Farm Site will include a series of elevated landforms creating opportunities for exercise, play, and adventure for everyone.

Tennessee: Nashville

The new Azafrán Park will connect children and families with nature, public art, and opportunities for outdoor physical activity in South Nashville's most ethnically diverse neighborhood.

Washington: Kitsap County

The Forest Edge Adventure Trail at the South Kitsap Regional Park in Port Orchard will meander along a conifer forest offering exercise and a variety of physical and play engagements along the way.

West Virginia: Berkeley Springs

The creation of three play areas within Cacapon State Park will use natural materials to encourage fun and play for children and families.

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