A citywide competition in Los Angeles granting up to $200,000 to fund ideas on converting everyday spaces into children’s play zones is taking applications, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced last Friday along with the project’s partners, KaBOOM! and Dr Pepper Snapple.
Eligible organizations with ideas for projects costing about $20,000 can submit ideas for the Let’s Play Everywhere LA competition through July 21.
“Everyone should have safe places to play and enjoy outdoor activity — and we’re working hard to bring those opportunities to every community in Los Angeles,” Garcetti said.
“Let’s Play Everywhere LA will tap into the boundless creativity in our city, and engage more Angelenos in a cause that will help our residents be healthier, get more active and experience a better quality of life in their neighborhoods,” he said.
The competition is asking for ideas that will encourage play where there is the greatest need across the city. Recent projects from the 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.
“With Let’s Play Everywhere LA, we’re thrilled to be able to make everyday spaces more playable and help kids and families integrate active play into their daily lives,” said Vicki Draughn, a vice president at Dr Pepper Snapple.
Applicants can be government entities, non-profits or individuals/groups who have partnered with them. More information is at kaboom.org/la.