DASNY CELEBRATES NY PLAYS INVESTMENT TO SUPPORT PLAYGROUND RENOVATION IN CAPITAL REGION

State Grant Will Expand Outdoor Recreation Opportunities for Girls Through Governor Hochul's Unplug and Play Initiative

Capital Region Has Received More Than $55 Million Through NY PLAYS, NY BRICKS and NY SWIMS

Girls Inc. Also Unveils Newly Renovated Gymnasium Supported by Community Partners

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) joined Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region, local leaders and community partners today to celebrate a $226,736 NY PLAYS grant to renovate the organization's playground in Schenectady. The award, part of Governor Kathy Hochul's Unplug and Play initiative, will support improvements to the existing outdoor play area, creating more opportunities for girls to stay active, build friendships and connect with one another. The event also featured a ribbon cutting for Girls Inc.'s newly renovated gymnasium, funded separately by community supporters.

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Girls Inc. plans to begin construction on the playground renovation in spring 2027, with completion expected by August 2027. The project will improve outdoor recreation opportunities at the organization's Schenectady facility and complement programs focused on healthy living, leadership development and personal growth.

The award comes through the New York Places for Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) initiative, which provides capital grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations to construct, expand and renovate public playgrounds. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees the program, and DASNY administers the grants.

Unplug and Play Investments in the Capital Region
Governor Hochul's Unplug and Play initiative has awarded more than $55 million in competitive capital grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations across the Capital Region through NY PLAYS, NY BRICKS and NY SWIMS. The funding supports projects selected through a competitive application process to improve playgrounds, community centers and public swimming facilities.

These investments are already making a difference across the region. Through NY SWIMS, the state has supported major recreational improvements, including Albany's Lincoln Park Pool and the Knickerbacker Park Aquatic Center in Troy, which opened to the public in July 2026.

Together, these programs are expanding recreational opportunities and creating more places for children and families to be active and spend time together.

Statewide, Governor Hochul has awarded $67.5 million through NY PLAYS to support 89 playground projects across all 10 regions of New York State. NY BRICKS has awarded $100 million to 30 community center projects, while NY SWIMS has invested nearly $260 million in 79 projects to expand access to safe swimming opportunities.

Girls Inc. Celebrates Continued Investment in Schenectady
Girls Inc. also unveiled its newly renovated gymnasium during the November 12 ribbon cutting, facilitated by the Capital Region Chamber. The Wright Family Foundation and the Dake Family supported the renovation, with BBL Construction and CSARCH serving as project partners.

The renovated gymnasium offers an updated indoor space for physical activity, group programs and opportunities for girls to connect with their peers. The project builds on previous improvements at the Schenectady facility, including the Teen Tech Room and Cozy Cove Room, which were transformed through the Capital Region Chamber's Leadership Capital Region Class of 2024.

The completed gymnasium and planned playground improvements will support Girls Inc.'s mission of inspiring girls to be strong, smart and bold, while creating additional opportunities for healthy activity, learning and social connection.

DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "Governor Hochul's NY PLAYS initiative is giving organizations like Girls Inc. the resources to create spaces that make a lasting difference for children and families. This investment will help transform an existing playground into a place where girls can stay active, build confidence and connect with one another. DASNY is proud to administer this program and support Girls Inc. as it continues to invest in the next generation of leaders here in Schenectady."

Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region CEO Ashli Fragomeni said, "These investments mean so much to our girls and the Schenectady community. Having a renovated gymnasium and an improved outdoor playground will give girls even more opportunities to be active, build friendships and spend time together in spaces designed with their growth and development specifically in mind. We're incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul, our community partners and everyone who helped make these improvements possible. These spaces will continue to play an important role in creating the supportive environments where girls can grow into strong, smart and bold leaders."

Stewart's Foundation President Susan Dake said, "Girls Inc. is a vital part of the Schenectady community, making girls strong, smart and bold. This mission is in sync with Stewart's and the Dake family's commitment to the wellbeing of all our shops' communities."

BBL Construction Services President, Jonathan deForest said, "BBL Construction Services is proud to have been part of this project and to contribute to the revitalization of the Girls Inc. Schenectady location. It was exciting to work alongside the Girls Inc. team to transform the gymnasium into an updated, welcoming space that will support their programs and provide opportunities for girls to learn, grow, and stay active. Investing in community spaces like this is incredibly important, and we're grateful to have played a role in bringing this vision to life. We look forward to seeing the impact this space will have for years to come."

CSArch Managing Principal Melissa Renkawitz, said, "Partnering with Girls Inc. to bring their vision to life through architectural design has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our team. We believe that creating safe, inspiring spaces for educational opportunities has the power to shape potential, and we are proud to help build an environment that empowers the next generation to be strong, smart, and bold."

About Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region
Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold through evidence-based programs that support academic achievement, leadership development, healthy living and life skills. Serving hundreds of girls annually across the Capital Region, Girls Inc. creates supportive environments where girls can grow into confident leaders equipped to succeed in school, their communities and beyond.