Governor Hochul’s Unplug and Play initiative surpasses $350 million as new recreational projects open and expand access for families across New York State

New York – Across New York State, a quiet transformation is unfolding in parks, neighborhoods, and community spaces—one that is beginning to reshape how families spend their time and how children experience their surroundings. With the arrival of warmer months, new pools are filling, construction crews are wrapping up long-awaited upgrades, and doors to community centers are opening wider than before. At the center of it all stands Kathy Hochul and her Unplug and Play initiative, which has now crossed a major threshold: more than $350 million delivered to communities statewide.

It is not just a number. It signals a shift—from planning to visible progress. Projects that once existed as proposals or sketches are now becoming real places where people gather, move, and connect. From cities to small towns, the initiative is stepping into a new phase, one defined less by announcements and more by tangible results.

“Every family deserves access to safe, high-quality places where their children can play, learn and stay active,” Governor Hochul said. “Through our Unplug and Play initiative, we are delivering real investments to communities across New York State, opening pools, strengthening community centers and creating spaces that bring people together. These projects are making a difference in people’s lives, and we are just getting started.”

Her words reflect a broader concern that has been growing in recent years—the need to create environments where children and families can step away from screens and reconnect with physical spaces. The initiative, as its name suggests, is designed to encourage exactly that: to unplug, step outside, and engage with the world in a more active, social way.

The scale of the investment is spread across several key programs, each targeting a different piece of community life. The largest share—$200 million—has been directed through the NY SWIMS program, which focuses on building and upgrading public pools. These projects are about more than recreation. They address safety, especially as extreme heat becomes more frequent, and provide essential spaces where children can learn to swim and families can cool off during the summer.

Already, the effects are visible. In Albany and Newburgh, newly opened or improved pools are welcoming residents, offering a sense of relief and renewal as temperatures begin to rise. In Troy and Millerton, similar projects are nearing completion, expected to open in time for the summer season. Other communities—including Ogdensburg, Cortland, Montgomery, and neighborhoods in the Bronx—are still in earlier stages, but the funding is secured, and work is moving forward.

Running alongside NY SWIMS is another major component: NY BRICKS. With $100 million allocated to this program, the focus shifts indoors—to community centers that serve as year-round hubs for activity, learning, and support. In places like Hempstead, Elmira, Kingston, and Haverstraw, projects are underway to either construct new centers or breathe new life into existing ones.

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These spaces often carry a different kind of importance. They are where after-school programs happen, where families gather during colder months, and where community ties are strengthened over time. Expanding and modernizing them means more access, more programming, and more opportunities for people of all ages.

Nonprofit organizations play a key role in this ecosystem. Groups such as YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Jewish Community Centers have received funding through both programs, allowing them to expand their reach and improve their facilities. For many neighborhoods, these organizations are pillars—trusted places that provide stability, safety, and a sense of belonging.

The initiative is not standing still. A third phase, known as NY PLAYS, is set to begin soon, focusing on playgrounds designed for children of all abilities. Applications are scheduled to open in early May and will run through mid-June, marking the next step in broadening access to outdoor recreation.

Unlike pools or community centers, playgrounds may seem simple. But they serve a crucial purpose, especially for younger children. By emphasizing inclusive design, the program aims to ensure that all kids—regardless of ability—can play side by side in spaces built with accessibility in mind.

Behind the scenes, much of this work is being coordinated by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, working in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Together, they help guide projects from concept to completion, working closely with local governments and nonprofit partners.

Robert J. Rodriguez described the effort as both practical and long-term in its vision.

“DASNY is proud to help deliver these investments on behalf of New York State. We are working with communities and nonprofit partners across the state to move projects forward and ensure they are built to serve families for years to come. From new pools to modern community centers and future playgrounds, this work is expanding access to safe, welcoming spaces in every region of New York.”

His emphasis on longevity is key. These are not temporary fixes or short-lived initiatives. The goal is to create infrastructure that will remain useful for decades, supporting future generations in ways that extend beyond immediate needs.

There is also a growing awareness of the connection between physical spaces and well-being. Access to safe, clean, and engaging environments can influence not just physical health, but mental health as well—something that has come into sharper focus in recent years.

Kathy Moser highlighted this connection, pointing to the broader impact of the initiative.

“Governor Hochul’s ‘Unplug and Play’ initiative is helping strengthen the mental and physical well-being of our children and communities. We’re excited to kick off the season knowing more young people will start their days in a pool, at a community center or on a playground, connecting with each other and the outdoors, not their screens.”

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That image—children starting their day outdoors rather than in front of a device—captures the spirit of the initiative in simple terms. It is about reclaiming spaces that encourage movement, interaction, and shared experiences.

As projects continue to open and new ones begin, the initiative is gaining momentum. Each completed pool, each renovated center, each new playground adds another layer to a statewide network of spaces designed to bring people together.

There is still work ahead. Funding cycles will continue, applications will be reviewed, and construction timelines will stretch into the future. But the direction is clear. The Unplug and Play initiative is moving beyond its early stages, becoming a visible part of everyday life in communities across New York.

And perhaps that is its most significant achievement so far—not just the scale of investment, but the way it is quietly reshaping how people interact with their surroundings. In parks filled with laughter, in community centers buzzing with activity, and in playgrounds alive with motion, the impact is already taking shape—one space, one neighborhood, one family at a time.