Take action. Show your community some love.

A clean-up is a simple way to make a big difference, and it's an excellent opportunity for adults and children alike to rally around a shared goal. It's also allows those who can't participate on a regular basis to get involved in a one-time event.

How do you organize it?

1. Plan it for a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon—a convenient option for maximum participation.
2. Advertise it! Pass out flyers (see sample flyer) and post announcements in the playspace area so as many as possible can join in the fun.
3. Involve kids in the outreach, and make sure the activity is a family affair. Children can help clean up, and you can host activities specifically for children so that adults have time to connect. Chalk murals on the sidewalk are always a hit. More adventurous? Consider decorating small white tiles with paints.
4. What makes every event better? Food! Make it a picnic potluck, and ask each family to bring light snacks.
5. Gather the contact information of everyone who participates. They may want to participate in future events!
6. Maintain momentum! Announce the next opportunity to get involved at the clean-up, and hand out flyers for the activity.

Safety is a concern at any place to play. All children deserve an experience that is safe and rewarding when they venture into a playspace. Having a playspace watch alleviates worry that the children’s experience will be anything but fun. In addition, if an accident does, by chance, occur, a responsible adult is ready to take action.

Here are a few things to keep in mind for establishing and running a neighborhood playspace watch:

• Send out a recruitment flyer or post one at the playspace to gather interested members.
• Make sure watch volunteers have cell phones.
• Have the watch volunteer wear a recognizable t-shirt.
• Advertise the watch schedule—on your neighborhood listserv, on community bulletin boards, etc.
• Get local law enforcement involved. Let them know what you are doing so they can help supplement and complement your commitment to safety.
• Check out additional resources for neighborhood playground and park watches at the National Crime Prevention Council.

Beyond the ever-important safety element as the driving force for a playspace watch, volunteering your time as a “playspace monitor” is a great opportunity to see children at play. Rally some fellow play committee members and go out and watch children in your area just be in their element—in pure play! This also gives you the time and a few moments of reflection to see how children come to learn, grow, and develop through their play activities.

Playspaces aren't just for kids! A few simple additions to the area around your playspace — like benches, shade structures, and murals — will transform it into an inviting community space.

Here are a few of our favorites, with links to instructions, shopping lists, and recommended numbers of volunteers.

Paint a Mural

Painting a mural on a large wall, indoors or out, is a fabulous way to bring color and character to your playspace. A mural need not be a great work of art; volunteers can do simple ones! It's not nearly as difficult as you think!

Add Shade

Shade is a very important topic for many communities when it comes to their children. The structure not only provides a bit of relief from the sun but also adds to the aesthetic quality of the overall playspace. The more inviting a gathering area is, the more likely community members will begin to treat it like the “town square” it should be.

Add a Little More Nature to Your Space

Plant trees and shrubs, or add a pizza garden, butterfly garden, or custom garden to your playspace!

• The pizza garden is easy to create and provides a place where kids can watch different plants grow, seeing the similarities and differences in each.
• The butterfly garden encourages exploration, offers a sensory experience and can be the setting for many science lessons.
• The custom garden is specifically designed for the needs of the community.

Want more ideas? We have plenty! Look at the full list of side projects for dozens of ways to spruce up your playspace.

Complete an improvement at your playspace? Apply for a $750 Improvement Grant.