Pottstown Play Streets turns neighborhood roads into pop-up play hubs during the summer, bringing recreation and resources directly into communities. The program creates safe, engaging spaces where kids can play and families can connect, right outside their doors.
Led by the Borough of Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department and being a part of the annual Pottstown Play Streets Coalition, convened by the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation. This coalition of partners works together to make the program free, fun, and accessible to all Pottstown residents.
Thursdays 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Dates:
Rain Date:
Each Play Streets event temporarily closes a street to vehicle traffic, replacing it with games, activities, and wellness programming. These free, family-friendly events strengthen community ties while promoting physical activity, mental wellness, and neighborhood pride.
Since 2022
Invested to Non-Profits, Schools & Programs
Coalition Members
Pottstown Play Streets is a Signature Initiative of the Foundation. It is implemented by the Borough of Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department and made possible by a cross-sector coalition of community partners, which the Foundation convenes annually to plan and execute the program.
Together, we bring:
Pop-up play zones invite kids to run, jump, dance, and engage in healthy activities in their own neighborhood.
Neighbors gather for music, games, and shared joy, creating new relationships and trust across blocks.
Events often include giveaways, snacks, hydration stations, wellness info, and services from local partners.
By eliminating barriers such as cost and transportation, Play Streets ensures all children can access safe, enriching summer experiences.
Play Streets has a long-standing history as a public health strategy to improve youth access to safe outdoor play. The first documented Play Streets in the United States took place in Harlem, New York City, in 1914, where roadways were closed to traffic to create protected space for children to be active and engaged.
Over a century later, Play Streets continues to be used across the country to address rising concerns about physical inactivity and lack of safe play areas. Despite strong evidence that regular physical activity improves bone health, reduces anxiety, and boosts self-esteem, nearly 75% of U.S. adolescents do not meet national physical activity guidelines. In many urban communities, barriers such as traffic, violence, and lack of safe green spaces make outdoor play difficult or unsafe for families.
Locally, these challenges are especially evident. According to the 2018 Tri-County Area Community Health Needs Assessment, conducted by the Foundation:
These disparities highlight the urgent need for accessible, inclusive, and welcoming public spaces. Pottstown Play Streets was developed as a direct response, bringing safe, active, and joyful play environments into the heart of neighborhoods where they are needed most.
Your support helps cover equipment, supplies, staffing, and outreach. Every gift makes it possible for another block to be transformed into a joyful, active, and connected space.
With your help, we can keep Play Streets free and accessible to every child and family in Pottstown.
Pottstown Regional Community Foundation connects philanthropic intentions with our community’s most impactful economic, social, and educational needs to improve the quality of life for all residents today and tomorrow.
152 East High Street, Suite 500
Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 323-2006
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