Congresswoman Nikema Williams Leads Bill to Improve Outdoor Spaces for Children

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced the Prioritizing Lifestyle and Activity for Youth (PLAY) Act to create a federal task force to improve coordination among agencies responsible for youth and community recreation infrastructure.

Outdoor play is a critical activity for promoting better physical and mental health outcomes in children. Unfortunately, only 25% of children in the United States engage in the 60 minutes of recommended daily physical activity. And, according to the Physical Activity Alliance’s 2024 Report Card Physical Activity for Children and Youth, the United States received a D+ score, the same it had received in 2022. One of the main contributing factors to this score is that children do not have adequate access to the type of outdoor physical activities they need.

The PLAY Act requires agencies to make specific recommendations to Congress on how to address other barriers to outdoor play that fall within the purview of the federal government. Healthy children and communities are vital to the American way of life and the PLAY Act is a critical piece in building and maintaining safe infrastructure for families across the country.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:

“As a mama, I know how important it is for children to have somewhere safe to play outside for their health and well-being. Those spaces are far too few in communities — both in the Fighting Fifth and across the country — that are reeling from decades of systemic disadvantages and inequality. That’s why I’m introducing the PLAY Act, which would start breaking down the barriers to building the parks, playgrounds, and recreation spaces that all children deserve.”

“Only 25% of children in the United States get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity they need for healthy development,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to co-lead the Prioritizing Lifestyle and Activity for Youth (PLAY) Act to create a federal task force that will break down bureaucratic barriers and improve coordination among agencies responsible for youth recreation infrastructure. Our bipartisan legislation will help local governments, schools, and nonprofits access the federal resources they need to give our children safe places to play and be active outdoors.”

Endorsements: KABOOM!, Children & Nature Network, City Parks Alliance, Green Schoolyard America, Main Street America

Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!, said:

“Thank you Representatives Bacon and Williams for introducing legislation that will help make our federal government more efficient and responsive to the needs of kids and their families wanting to enjoy playgrounds, parks, and other close to home outdoor recreational facilities. As a nonprofit that works across public and private sectors to ensure kids across America can experience the joy and numerous benefits of places to play we know how important this legislation is to them as well as their caregivers, teachers, and local community leaders.” 

Hannah White, Chief Impact Officer, Main Street America said:

“Main Street America is grateful to Representatives Williams and Bacon for their leadership of the PLAY Act. Recreational infrastructure for all ages supports local civic infrastructure where children and communities can thrive. 90% of all Main Street districts are within a 10-minute walk of a public park, and increasing access to green space and social connection is essential to vibrant local economies.”

Catherine Nagel, Executive Director, City Parks Alliance said:

“Every child deserves a safe place to play and every family deserves access to nearby green space. The PLAY Act helps break down the barriers that have kept too many communities from the parks and playgrounds they need to thrive.”

David Beard, Director of Policy & Government Affairs, Children & Nature Network said:

“Screen time and the pressures of technology continue to limit our children’s ability to play, particularly in the outdoors. The benefits of playing and immersing in nature are clear. Collaboration and alignment to create safer spaces for children is critical, always and especially now.” 

Sharon Danks, CEO, Green Schoolyards America, said:

“Play is important for children’s wellbeing at every age, as it contributes to a happy childhood, brings children joy and relaxation in their school day, relieves stress, engages curiosity, helps them build social and physical skills and promotes friendships,” explains Sharon Danks, CEO of Green Schoolyards America. “The PLAY ACT will help address the critical physical and mental health issues facing children today.”

Click here for the text of the PLAY Act.

Click here for a one pager on the PLAY Act.