Grants Awarded To Make New Kid's Play Zones Across L.A.

LOS ANGELES, CA – A total of $200,000 grants to fund ideas on converting everyday spaces into children's play zones were awarded to 10 winners, it was announced Thursday by Mayor Eric Garcetti and the project's partners, KaBOOM! and Dr Pepper Snapple.

The competition asked for ideas that will encourage play where there is the greatest need across the city. Recent projects from the Let's Play competition include an abandoned bus stop in McFarland which was converted into a play area, and a public sidewalk in San Francisco which had asphalt games, signs and a public chalk walk added.

"All children deserve safe, fun places to play where they can be inspired to dream," Garcetti said. "With the support of Let's Play Everywhere LA, the winners of this grant will use the power of creativity to awaken young Angelenos' imaginations and promote healthy activity in our neighborhoods."

The 10 winners are:

• Kester Elementary School, 5353 Kester Ave.
• Pico Union Project, 1201 Valencia St.
• California Greenworks, Inc., 1782 W. Gage Ave.
• Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative, 2800 W. Pico Blvd.
• Grant Housing and Economic Development Corporation, 10205 Compton Ave.
• Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St.
• Proyecto Pastoral, 125 N. Mission Rd.
• Youth Policy Institute, 421 Rosemont Ave.
• American Southwest Railway Association, 5200 Zoo Drive
• Pico Great Street Collaborative, 1407 Hauser Blvd.

"Let's Play Everywhere LA will make play the easy choice for kids and families in their communities," said James Siegal, CEO of KaBOOM!. "The winning projects offer more opportunities for families to ensure children can get the play they need to thrive. With the support from Dr Pepper Snapple and the city of Los Angeles Mayor's Office, more kids across Los Angeles County will get the childhood they deserve through great, safe places to play."

Applicants for the award were restricted to government entities, non-profits or individuals/groups who have partnered with them. More about the 10 selected grantees, including photos and descriptions of their upcoming projects, can be found at kaboom.org/la.

City News Service and Patch staffer Emily Holland contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock