Summer Spaces Program to Provide Free Outdoor Kids Programming and Employment

The Fresh Air Fund’s Summer Space program is transforming city streets into outdoor play areas to give NYC children more space to play outside and to escape some of the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. These Summer Spaces will not only give kids the chance to let loose in a supervised, outdoor environment, but will also provide valuable work experience and income to young New Yorkers struggling through these unprecedented times. Bloomberg Philanthropies, Ford Foundation, and the JPB Foundation are giving a $1.2 million grant to support the Fresh Air Fund’s Summer Spaces and youth employment programs in NYC.

Understanding the importance of outdoor play in times of stress, Summer Spaces has transformed closed city streets into open play areas where children can enjoy structured outdoor play while social distancing. Children ages 5-13 will have the opportunity to partake in a variety of two-hour drop-in sessions at neighborhood locations, including creative craft-related activities, active recreation programs, and giant board games. Sites will also have a “cool down” area for those who would prefer to unwind alone.

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“Children need to experience the joy and freedom of outdoor summer play, and given the lack of safe and structured activities for children who have been inside for more than 12 weeks, sunshine and being outdoors being physically active is needed now more than ever,” Fatima Shama, executive director of The Fresh Air Fund, said in a press release.

In addition to encouraging children to spend time outdoors this summer, the project will also provide jobs for young adults to gain work experience and income during the pandemic. There will be 200 positions available for young people ages 18-24 to serve as activity specialists, coaches, and counselors.

“We have a long history at The Fresh Air Fund of promoting career exploration through our summer and year-round programs, while promoting training and workforce development,” Shama said.