Frequently Asked Questions

Individual grants range from $100,000 to $2,500,000. The state covers 80% of project costs, while the local municipality provides a 20% match. Newburgh is applying for the maximum amount of $2.5 million.

The application deadline is June 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM. All materials must be submitted by this time. Award announcements are expected in August 2026.

The grant can cover playground equipment, safety surfacing, accessibility improvements, shade structures, seating, fencing, landscaping, signage, and related site work. It cannot cover land acquisition, operating costs, or maintenance after construction.

Newburgh qualifies as an underserved community with demonstrated need. Our high poverty rate (28%), aging playground infrastructure, and large youth population make us a strong candidate. The scoring criteria prioritize communities with these characteristics.

If we receive the grant, construction would begin in early 2027. The exact timeline depends on the award announcement (expected August 2026) and subsequent planning and procurement processes.

Typical playground construction takes 4-6 months once it begins. This includes site preparation, equipment installation, surfacing, and final inspections. Weather and site conditions can affect the timeline.

Yes! The playground will be free and open to the public during regular park hours. This is a requirement of the NY PLAYS grant program.

An inclusive playground is designed so children of all abilities can play together. This includes wheelchair-accessible ramps and equipment, ground-level activities, sensory play elements, quiet spaces for children who need breaks, and equipment designed for various physical and cognitive abilities.

There are many ways to help! You can attend community meetings, write a letter of support (templates provided), volunteer for outreach, share the campaign on social media with #NewburghPlays, or encourage your organization to become a partner.

Yes! Letters of support from schools, nonprofits, businesses, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, and government entities significantly strengthen our application. We provide templates for each organization type at newburghplaygrounds.org/get-involved.

Yes! We are hosting community input sessions throughout the application period. Check our events page at newburghplaygrounds.org/events for the schedule. All meetings are open to the public.

Absolutely! If you work in Newburgh, have family here, or regularly visit, your input is valuable. Organizations outside Newburgh can also provide letters of support.

Yes! The playground will meet and exceed ADA requirements. This includes accessible pathways, transfer platforms, ramps to elevated structures, and ground-level activities that everyone can enjoy.

Inclusive playgrounds consider sensory processing needs. Our design will include sensory play panels, quiet retreat spaces for children who become overwhelmed, and a variety of textures and activities that support sensory exploration without overwhelming stimulation.

The playground will be designed for children ages 2-12, with developmentally appropriate equipment for toddlers (2-5) and school-age children (5-12). Separate but connected areas ensure safety while allowing siblings to play together.

Yes! The design will include shaded seating areas for caregivers, clear sight lines for supervision, accessible pathways throughout, and potentially companion swings that allow adults to swing with children who need support.