The Play Project
When you make a donation to the YMCA's Play Project Capital Campaign, you give more than money. You give opportunity to children and families that they cannot provide for themselves—opportunity to strengthen spirit, mind, and body in a community-centered environment that is unique to the YMCA.
Guided by its founding mission, the YMCA has served as a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the community for more than 117 years. The Y empowers individuals and families, regardless of background or circumstance, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities that allow all to learn, grow, and thrive. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, the YMCA works to improve overall health and well-being, foster youth development, and reinforce the importance of meaningful connections within and across our communities.
As part of our commitment to thoughtful planning and strong branch operations, the Operations Committee of the YMCA of Greater Tulsa Board of Directors received presentations from branch leadership throughout 2024 and 2025 highlighting opportunities to strengthen branch performance and community impact. Notably, each project submitted for consideration directly aligned with the YMCA’s strategic priority of Youth Development. Program prioritization was guided by a comprehensive evaluation matrix grounded in our strategic plan, financial sustainability, and the evolving needs of the communities we serve.
Regular play and meaningful social connection are increasingly critical to children’s health and well-being as screen time, social isolation, bullying, and childhood obesity continue to rise. Supporting families so they can nurture their child’s healthy growth is a vital role for the YMCA. In 2025, the YMCA served 47,612 youth through Sports and Play & Learn programs—an increase of 17% over 2024. Creating and enhancing dynamic, engaging spaces for these activities will further strengthen our ability to serve families.
Facility Enhancements
Reimagined Play & Learn spaces at seven branches:
- Tandy
- Owasso
- East Central
- Okmulgee
- Dickenson
- Daily
- Hutcherson
Additional enhancements:
- Outdoor sports courts, walking tracks, and community gathering spaces at the Hutcherson and Dickenson branches
Program & Partnership Development
- New curriculum and partnerships to strengthen youth programming
- Partnership with Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance to offer Momentum Digital Badges, available for the first time to preschool and early school-age children through Play & Learn
- Hope Driven Coaching training for volunteer youth sports coaches
- Launch of the Certified Youth Development Professional (CYDP) training program to ensure all staff are fully prepared and supported in their roles
Timeline & Investment
- Construction completion anticipated in early 2027
- Total Project Investment: $4.9 million