THE PLAYGROUNDgr is a local nonprofit, who is committed to bridging the disparities of the racial, gender, culture, and socioeconomic gaps often found in caregivers/educational institutions and community based programing around the world of play. Play based support, therapy and awareness continues to be an evidenced tool that sharpens and supports, emotional health, mental health, trauma, grief and attachment. THE PLAYGROUNDgr is tasked with ensuring all members of our community have access to free or reduce rated play workshops, trainings, play based groups and play based therapy.

THE PLAYGROUNDgr's mission is to raise awareness around the emotional and mental health benefits of play. At THE PLAYGROUNDgr, we believe play heals.

THE PLAYGROUNDgr provides trainings, workshops, one on one play therapy, play therapy groups and free events for our community, in support of ensuring play therapy and play are accessible to all.
Join THE PLAYGROUNDgr at PLAY SOLEIL The Main Event on October 1, 2026 @ GLC Live at 20 Monroe for the ultimate play experience. THE PLAYGROUNDgr is cultivating a new, inclusive and extrodinary experience for PLAY! YOU are invited to join us!
WHAT TO EXPECT: We are bringing GR a vintage circus experience unlike no other! Plan for cotton candy cocktails, vintage inspired circus arts and a gala you will never forget, ALL in support of FREE play therapy provided through THE PLAYGROUNDgr. health supports
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Save the Date! THE PLAYGROUNDgr is proud to bring this THE PLAYGROUNDgr and GR Lit Fest event to our community on June 29, 2026 at 4pm - 6pm as the Grand Finale of their full week of literacy and community collaborations!
PLAN TO READ with local authors
PLAN TO EAT with local farmers and food programming like the YMCA Veggie Van and local good trucks
PLAN TO PLAY at the newly re-imagined Houseman Playground
PLAN TO EXPLORE your future!
PLAN TO DREAM BIG ....
Thank you to the our amazing Community Partners: YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, Midtown Neighborhood Association l, City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Wege Foundation, LMCU , Sylvan Learning, Mo'photography LLC, Whole Hearted Marketing, GRPS and many more!
We are thrilled to bring our neighbors a quarterly newsletter, highlighting play therapy strategies, books and events. Join us!