Communities across the Southern Tier have been awarded a combined $3.3 million through New York’s Places for Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization program, known as NY PLAYS. The awards will support new playgrounds and upgrades to aging recreation facilities in Owego, Elmira, Wellsburg, Montour Falls and Ithaca.
Owego will receive $264,012 to replace outdated playground equipment. Elmira was awarded $170,000 for a playground at Cypress Street Park, while Wellsburg will receive $213,474 for new equipment. Montour Falls received the region’s largest listed award, $600,000, for a playground and accessible bathrooms at the village marina. Ithaca was awarded $158,170 for its project.
NY PLAYS is part of the state’s broader Unplug and Play initiative, which is intended to expand access to outdoor recreation and give communities resources to build or renovate playgrounds. The competitive program is administered through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York in partnership with the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
The local projects vary in size and scope, but each is designed to replace or add recreation infrastructure used by children and families. Award recipients will move into the state’s grant process before construction or installation begins, and individual communities will set their own project schedules.
