YMCA receives grant to offer free play zone during Feb. 17-21
MEDINA – The YMCA in Orleans County has received a $3,000 grant from Project Play Western New York to offer a a Free Play Zone from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (Feb. 17-21).
The Free Play Zone will feature tag games, open gym time, soccer and other activities, Project Play Western New York said in a news release today.
Project Play Western New York announced nine grants in eight counties for programming from Feb. 17-21 when many schools are closed for mid-winter break. The Winter Free Play Series marks an expansion of Project Play WNY’s Summer Free Play initiative.
The Free Play Series works to provide youth in all eight counties of Western New York with opportunities to enjoy self-directed free play during school breaks, at no cost to families. The total amount granted for this inaugural process is more than $25,000.
Organizations that received grants are providing programming that best aligns with the mission of Project Play WNY, which is to work toward a community in which all children have the opportunity to be active through sports, regardless of zip code.
“Pick-up sports and free play have largely been replaced by scheduled practices, games and travel,” said Aaron Hord, director of Project Play WNY. “However, free play allows youth to exercise creativity, learn important interpersonal skills and develop a lifelong love of physical activity. We’re excited about our newest grant opportunity for organizations across the region and look forward to supporting no-cost, free play programming this February.”
The 2025 Winter Free Play Series grant recipients are:
- Buffalo Bisons Charitable Foundation – the Ice at Canalside – $3,000
- Erie Regional Housing Development Corporation – The Belle Center – $1,500
- GLOW YMCA – Orleans County YMCA location – $3,000
- Lackawanna PBA – $3,500
- Lockport Ice Arena and Sports Center – Cornerstone Arena – $2,500
- Resource Council of WNY Inc. – $3,000
- Rural Outreach Center – $3,000
- Seneca Nation of Indians – Allegany Community Center – $3,500
- Sensational Fun, Inc. – $3,000
For more information on the 2025 Winter Free Play Series, visit: www.projectplaywny.org/winter-free-play.
