What is P.L.A.Y.?

P.L.A.Y., Private Leisure Assistance for Youth, is a grant program providing children from low income families in the central Ohio area the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities offered through the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.

P.L.A.Y. was established to allow the kids of Columbus to expand their experiences with leisure and recreation activities that help them to develop socially, physically, and culturally.

P.L.A.Y. has broken through those barriers that may hinder some children and has encouraged them to make positive, healthy leisure choices.

P.L.A.Y. provides a variety of horizon-widening experiences to otherwise urban-bound children, who are the primary beneficiaries of the program. Included in the diverse programs available for grants are art workshops, outdoor education programs, karate, museum visits, attending theatrical performances, canoeing, piano, photography, and much more! These specialized programs are in addition to the traditional Recreation and Parks activities such as basketball, gymnastics, aquatics, and dance.

The P.L.A.Y. program receives financial support from foundations, corporate funding campaigns, and individuals.

One of the largest fundraisers for P.L.A.Y. is the Champions for P.L.A.Y. Golf Event
held each May, which raised $46,000 in 2011.