Unplug and Play Initiatives

Unplug and Play Initiatives is sponsored by New York State. Promotes kids’ mental and physical health by funding playgrounds, community centers, and recreational opportunities.

UNPLUG AND PLAY: GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES UP TO $100 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR MUNICIPAL AND NONPROFIT COMMUNITY CENTERS | DASNY UNPLUG AND PLAY: GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES UP TO $100 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR MUNICIPAL AND NONPROFIT COMMUNITY CENTERS UNPLUG AND PLAY: GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES UP TO $100 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR MUNICIPAL AND NONPROFIT COMMUNITY CENTERS FY 2026 Enacted Budget Includes $100 Million for Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors Funding Now Available for Municipal and Nonprofit Community Centers; Grant Applications Due by 3:00 PM August 15, 2025 Open Application Question Period Begins June 5 to June 20, 2025; Webinar Video Will be Posted on NYS OPRHP and DASNY NY BRICKS Websites Addressing Questions ‘Unplug and Play’ Gets Kids Off of Their Phones by Funding Playgrounds, Community Centers, Affordable Sports Programs and Recreational Opportunities Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that funding is available from the new $100 million Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS) capital grant program.

Governor Hochul secured this funding in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget to support municipalities and nonprofit organizations in building or renovating community centers that promote physical health, mental well-being, and community connections for youth and older adults. NY BRICKS will offer grants of up to $15 million to fund design, construction, renovation, and land acquisition for these centers.

Priority will be given to projects in underserved communities, as well as those offering affordable services like childcare, eldercare, and mental health counseling. The program aims to make transformative, high-impact investments in local communities.

This announcement builds on Governor Hochul’s ‘Unplug and Play’ initiative to get kids off of their phones by funding playgrounds, community centers, affordable sports programs and recreational opportunities. “Every New Yorker deserves a safe, welcoming space to grow, connect, and thrive,” Governor Hochul said.

“We’re investing in the future of our communities — creating vibrant centers where kids can play, seniors can stay active, and families can access the support they need. This is about building more than infrastructure — it’s about building opportunity, equity, and well-being in every corner of our state.

” As part of Governor Hochul’s FY 2026 Enacted Budget and State of the State proposals, NY BRICKS offers grants between $250,000 and $15 million to acquire, design, construct or reconstruct facilities, provide major renovations, improvements, and modernization or rehabilitation of community centers. The Request for Applications (RFA) for funding was posted today at dasny. org and parks.

ny. gov . The application period for the NY BRICKS capital grant program will open on July 14, 2025 and applications must be submitted by August 15, 2025.

Awards are expected to be announced no earlier than November 1, 2025. Applications will be evaluated on characteristics of projects’ need, impact, and viability. NY BRICKS grants will require applicants to provide a 20 percent matching contribution towards the overall project cost.

Not-for-profit entities must receive approved prequalification status in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) prior to the submission of their application and must remain prequalified through the execution of the Grant Disbursement Agreement and payment of all requisitions. Dormitory Authority of the State of New York President and CEO Robert J.

Rodriguez said, “DASNY is proud to administer NY BRICKS grants that will strengthen communities across New York State. These investments in community centers represent more than just buildings — they’re foundations for healthier, more connected neighborhoods. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership in securing this critical funding that will help municipalities and nonprofits create spaces where families and communities can thrive.

” New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “I applaud Governor Hochul for prioritizing strategic investments in New Yorkers’ mental and physical wellness. The NY BRICKS program will offer New York families more options to disconnect from life's daily stresses and incorporate healthy activity into their lives.

Our agency looks forward to working with DASNY to launch this initiative with community partners across the state and help New Yorkers enjoy the proven benefits that come with year-round recreation and physical activity.

” State Senator José Serrano said, “As the Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, I am a firm believer that community centers serve as a way to connect with one another and promote physical and mental well-being. The NY BRICKS capital grant program would help to expand much-needed services to people of all ages in today’s fast-paced world.

My sincere thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, the OPRHP, and DASNY for these transformative, high-impact investments in our communities. ” Governor Hochul’s Unplug and Play Initiative The Governor’s Office, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and DASNY are committed to helping potential applicants prepare competitive applications.

The open application question period begins on June 5, 2025, and all questions must be submitted via the NY BRICKS SurveyMonkey form accessible here . A webinar video will be posted on the NYS OPRHP and DASNY NY BRICKS websites ( www. dasny.

org and www. parks. ny.

gov ) on June 25, 2025. This video will address questions received by June 20, 2025 and review the RFA and application process. Questions received after the webinar video has been posted on June 25, 2025, and prior to 3:00 p.

m. on June 27, 2025 will be made available on the same websites by July 11, 2025. Details regarding the submission of questions are provided in the RFA and on the NYS OPRHP and DASNY websites.

All potential applicants are strongly encouraged to review the RFA, submit questions in writing, and view the Webinar as the NY BRICKS Grant Application process will be explained in the webinar video.

New York State Life Sciences Public Health Laboratory Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health Notices of Public Hearings Notices of Public Hearings NYS Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Find out how DASNY can assist your institution, or the institution you represent, with financing, design and/or construction services.