Founded in 2017, Just Play Project (JPP) is an on-the-ground model program of Alliance for Childhood - based in Ithaca, New York.

Community by community, JPP creates time and space for the child’s right to play and is emerging as a model to support children’s free play in communities by focusing on people, places, and policies. JPP trains and employs playworkers, empowers youth participation in the planning + design of public places, and enables cross-sector collaborations to create policies for the provision of play. 

Core to the mission of Just Play Project is developing an economically, socially, and environmentally just model of free play for all.

This is a work in progress...    

2017: JPP partnered with Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) and Northside United to support a youth-led planning and design of a new playground built in the Northside neighborhood.

2017-present: Summer Just Play Days - with support from Park Foundation, Community Foundation of Tompkins County, Tompkins County Youth Development Services, Ithaca Youth Bureau (Youth Employment Services!, and Tompkins County Health Department), JPP has employed and trained dozens of playworkers to activate local public parks by providing free summer play opportunities for over 400 children.

2018-present: In partnership with Ithaca City School District, JPP is Reimagining Recess! to ensure all students have an opportunity for learning and development through child-directed play, during school.

2018: Just Play Project is building capacity to inform local policy change, working alongside City government, non-profits, and private businesses to include policies for play. In November 2018, City of Ithaca Mayor - Svante Myrick proclaimed Ithaca a “Free Range Kid City”.

2019: Piloted Just Play Streets in Downtown Ithaca City streets! & supported a community conversation on childhood, race + play: “Playing While Black”.

2020-present: Just Play Afterschool started as a direct result of the pandemic. Intentionally located in a public spaces within the neighborhood, children can walk, bike, scoot (sometimes on their own) to the park. Two caring playworkers greet them (and ensure COVID-19 safety protocols). Playworkers animate Wood St. Park with loose parts (e.g. pool noodles, pots & pans, balls, chalk, water for play, fabric, markers, etc.) and support their play – ensuring it is freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivated.

Just Play Project believes child-directed play is a catalyst for community development and a way children participate actively in their communities. Learn more about our three focuses below: People. Places. Policies.