Play Works

What is the Play Works Partnership?
We are a group of organizations concerned about the future of our youth. We represent the areas of sport, physical activity, civic engagement, arts and culture, rural youth, and recreation. We have joined forces to bring back the power of play to Ontario youth and are dedicated to advancing play for 13 - 19 year olds on local and provincial public and political agendas. Download the Play Works Platform.

What is the power of play?
Play isn't all fun and games. It's not just in a park or a gym. And it's not just for children. Play is diving off the high board, making pottery, throwing a snowball, dreaming on a lawn. It's all about shaping, learning and inspiring. A game of chess ignites reasoning. A run in the park builds endurance and strength. Volunteering at an art gallery develops social responsibility. Play is crucial for the social, physical, intellectual, emotional and civic development of youth. Play works.

So, what's the big deal?

• Places to play are becoming less accessible to adolescent youth.
• Cutbacks mean fewer activities for youth.
• Unsupervised activities for youth are seen as too risky.
• Volunteers and leaders are ready to burn out.

What does all this mean? Less youth participation. And that can mean more crime, drug use, complaints about loitering, and contributes to a 50 per cent increase in childhood obesity over the last 15 years.

Ontario needs to come out and play!

Play Works Partnership
pwp@playworkspartnership.ca or
c/o 1 Concorde Gate, Suite 302
Toronto, ON M3C 3N6
Phone: 416-426-7142
Fax: 416-426-7371