Partners & Initiatives

Government Initiatives

Between 2001 and 2005, state initiatives in Connecticut and Maryland have supported the creation of 27 Boundless™ playgrounds. Funding authorized by legislation has come both from general fund appropriations and also from state bond funds. In Michigan, in-kind costs (including donation of land and arrangements for site amenities and maintenance) were contributed by the State Department of Transportation for the construction of Boundless™ playgrounds at the state’s two largest welcome centers (Monroe and New Buffalo). 

How to Become a Partner

Your elected and appointed government officials can help you build Boundless™ playgrounds. Here’s how:

Catalyst funding: When a state government provides challenge grant catalyst funding, local communities can leverage those dollars to inspire individuals, civic organizations, businesses, corporations and foundations to contribute matching funds to a playground’s construction. With legislation in Connecticut and Maryland, local projects have raised $3 - $4 for each dollar of state funding contributed.

Value Play for All: At the local or regional level, funding has already been earmarked to improve, restore or create recreational areas that often include playgrounds. You can assist these decision-makers to understand the benefits of building barrier-free, inclusive Boundless™ playgrounds for children with and without disabilities, their families, and visitors to your area.

Adopt High Standards: State, local and regional governments can adopt standards for the design configuration of playground equipment and the surfacing that is part of the play environment. New playground construction in public spaces that is barrier-free and inclusive will mean that children of all abilities can reach the highest play deck, be in the middle of the fun, and can play, learn and grow together.

Support Pass-Through Grants: Federal agencies regularly allot recreational development funds to state and municipal governments on a formula-driven basis or from newly created grants. Communities may consider assigning extra points for applicants building Boundless™ playgrounds with any “pass-through” grants they receive. 

Advocate for the Educational Benefits: Education professionals recognize that playing is critical to all children’s development because play provides opportunities for children to gain essential skills for life. Special and regular education funding could support development of Boundless™ playgrounds. Educators can use speaking opportunities to advocate for existing funding that could be channeled to recreation for children of all abilities.

Support partnerships on state-owned land: In Tennessee and Delaware Boundless™ playgrounds are being created in two state parks and in Michigan at two welcome centers. Tennessee’s Warriors Path State Park will host a playground being created by community volunteers raising money in memory of a local community leader. At Alapocas Run State Park in Delaware, area Rotary clubs have joined together with Delaware’s Division of Parks and Recreation. Michigan’s “gateway” Welcome Centers in New Buffalo and Monroe host Boundless™ playgrounds where families can let their children expend some pent-up energy while at these rest stops.

Get Involved by Becoming An Advocate

Ordinary men, women and children can encourage, support, and promote the vision of a community Boundless™ playground for children and families of all abilities to their opinion leaders and decision-makers.

  • Contact your Congressperson and U.S. Senator, your state representatives, your school board members and Town Council officials.  You can email, phone or write to them. The internet, your local phonebook and your local town hall have addresses, names and contact information.

  • Stress the common community interests that everyone shares. Playgrounds are neighborhood destinations that provide opportunities for children to socialize, play, appreciate diversity and develop skills, independence and leadership qualities.
  • Remind local officials that once created, a playground has a useful life of 15-20 years.

  • Offer to be a resource. Make yourself knowledgeable about the differences between ADA standards and Boundless Playgrounds Performance Criteria. Visit playgrounds in your community so you can illustrate why they are insufficient to meet the needs of every child of every ability.

  • Ask for dedicated funding, because catalyst dollars help communities to raise other funds for creating a Boundless™ playground.

  • Suggest that raising standards to require barrier-free, inclusive playgrounds will focus awareness on the importance of playing together while playing to learn.

  • Thank your contacts for listening.

  • Keep in touch with decision-makers. Congratulate them when you hear they’ve championed something that changes lives—especially because that’s what happens on a Boundless™ playground.