GameTime Provides Up to Two Million Dollars in Matching Funds for California Parks

Funding program developed in partnership with California Parks and Recreation Society will assist with the development of 24 new playgrounds throughout the state

GameTime is pleased to announce the funding recipients of the 2017 California Park and Recreation Society’s State-Wide Healthy Play Initiative. This is the second year for the funding and educational partnership between the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS), GameTime and PlayCore.

In the educational component of the initiative, PlayCore provided CEU-qualified professional development sessions throughout California to share research-based best practices in playground design and programming. For the funding component of the initiative, GameTime made a commitment of up to two-million dollars in matching funds for CPRS agencies who submitted applications for assistance with the development of playground spaces that encourage best practice designs for active behavior.

“This is our second educational and funding initiative throughout the state of California. At the heart of the program was educational training and professional development provided by our parent company, PlayCore,” said Robert Barron, Senior Vice President at GameTime. “The training workshops provided park and recreation professionals with research and resources to create spaces that are based on best practices. With that research, CPRS agencies are better equipped to create recreation areas that maximize park usage and encourage children and families to be more active together.”

 “We’re excited to once again help local communities put research into action and to share how Parks Make Life Better®!"

Each of the playgrounds that are funded by the initiative will be designated as National Demonstration Sites for data collection, and will contribute data toward the publication of a White Paper to highlight best practices and outcomes achieved. The initial findings will be presented at the 2018 CPRS Conference.

Stephanie Stephens, Executive Director of CPRS commented, “We’re excited to once again help local communities put research into action and to share how Parks Make Life Better®! Congratulations to the 24 newly designated National Demonstration Sites in our state.”

The funding recipients* and National Demonstration Site designates are:

  • City of Davis Parks & Community Services Department
  • City of West Sacramento
  • City of Alameda Recreation & Park Department
  • North Highlands Recreation & Park District
  • City of Suisun City
  • Feather River Recreation & Park District
  • Livermore Area Recreation and Park District
  • City of Santa Clara
  • City of Morgan Hill, Community Services Department
  • City of Turlock
  • City of Fresno Parks, After School, Recreation & Community Services Department
  • Town of Mammoth Lakes Recreation Department
  • McFarland Recreation & Park District
  • City of Dinuba Parks & Community Services
  • City of Moreno Valley Parks & Community Services Department
  • City of Menifee Community Services Department
  • City of Glendale Community Services and Parks Department
  • City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine
  • City of Cerritos Rec Services Division
  • City of Calexico
  • City of Downey Department of Parks & Recreation
  • City of La Mesa
  • City of Santa Ana Recreation & Community Services Agency
  • County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation

*The specific funding amounts for each of these projects will be determined once designs are completed and approved by the related agencies.

About GameTime
GameTime is a leading manufacturer of commercial playgrounds, custom play spaces and outdoor fitness equipment. Headquartered in Fort Payne, Alabama, and with distribution around the world, GameTime has been dedicated to enriching childhood through play since our founding in 1929, and we work with community partners to demonstrate Play Has No Limit®.

About PlayCore
PlayCore helps build stronger communities around the world by advancing play through research, education, and partnerships. The company infuses this learning into its complete family of brands. PlayCore combines best in class planning and education programs with the most comprehensive array of recreation products available to create play solutions that match the unique needs of each community they serve. Learn more at playcore.com.

About CPRS
Founded in 1946, CPRS is a nonprofit, professional and public interest organization with just over 4,000 members statewide.  We advance the profession by being the best source of resources, tools, advocacy and events that then strengthens California's public parks and recreation industry and our professionals. CPRS unites members and creates networks across disciplines and agency boundaries to achieve together what we cannot do alone.