Initiatives
Engaging Rural Communities
The Why
In addition to supporting programming in urban communities, Project Play aims to expand access to youth sports in rural communities, where opportunities can be limited.
In Allegany County for example, only 49% of individuals reside within three miles of a recreational facility – hindering access.
The State of Play in Western New York Scoreboard
Individuals have adequate access for opportunities for physical activity if they:
Reside in a census block within a half mile of a park, or
In urban census blocks reside within one mile of a recreational facility, or
In rural census blocks: reside within three miles of a recreational facility
What We Are Doing
Project Play WNY, along with local partners, will strategically explore and plan for potential expansion in rural counties of WNY including, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Wyoming, Genesee, Orleans and Niagara counties. We’ll work to bring funding and collaborative convening to provide after-school programs, youth sports and recreation opportunities for underserved, rural youth.
Contact us
If you are a youth sports organization interested in collaborative work to expand access to sport in rural areas, please email inquiries to ProjectPlayWNY@CFGB.org.