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Do you think Western New York needs more play spaces for kids? Here's how you can help.

Posted at 4:22 AM, Jan 14, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-14 07:41:31-05

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has kicked off its second ever challenge meant to bring more safe play spaces to Western New York.

The Play Everywhere Challenge is a collaboration between the foundation and KaBOOM!, a national non-profit which collaborates with communities on building or restoring play spaces.

First introduced in 2018, the challenge is a community-focused design competition to develop new ideas for bringing play to unexpected but everyday spaces, making play easy and available for kids and families. Grantees will be selected in Southeast Michigan and Western New York to receive a combined total of $1 million in prize funds.

Last year, 23 organizations between the two regions created play spaces, including nine in Western New York.

The application process for the challenge opened Monday. It closes on March 22.

Applicants can be government entities, non-profits or individuals/groups who have partnered with them. They must be located in one of the counties that make up Western New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe and Wyoming).

For more information on eligibility, how to apply and other key deadlines, click here.