Los Angeles, CA – In recognition of the vital role that sport, play, and movement play in healthy child development, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education unanimously passed Resolution Res-068-25/26, Proclaiming June 27, 2026, as “Play Day” and Promoting Play Equity, officially recognizing June 27 as Play Day throughout the District and reaffirming its commitment to ensuring all students have equitable access to opportunities for recreation, physical activity, and play.
“Play is essential to a child’s physical health, emotional well-being, and academic success,” said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. “Every student deserves access to safe, inclusive spaces where they can move, explore, build confidence, and connect with others. By recognizing Play Day, we are affirming our commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, neighborhood, or ability, have opportunities to experience the lifelong benefits of sport and play.”
“Play is a fundamental part of how children grow, connect, and thrive,” Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “By proclaiming June 27, 2026, as ‘Play Day’ and advancing play equity, we are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring every student has access to safe, inclusive, and enriching opportunities for play. This resolution reflects our belief that joyful, active experiences are essential to student well-being, development, and long-term success.”
The resolution recognizes the critical role that sport, play, and movement play in positive youth development, helping students improve physical and mental health, build self-confidence, develop leadership skills, and strengthen academic outcomes. It also highlights ongoing inequities that limit participation for many young people due to cost, transportation barriers, lack of access to facilities, and exclusion based on disability.
According to the 2026 California Play Equity Report commissioned by the LA84 Foundation, 76% of youth are not meeting recommended daily physical activity levels, with the lowest rates of participation among girls, Latino youth, and youth with disabilities.
Key provisions of the resolution reaffirm the Board’s commitment to closing the play equity gap, encourage students, families, educators, and staff to participate in Play Day activities, and direct the Superintendent to promote Play Day through District communications and partnerships. The resolution also establishes Play Day as an annual observance each June, on the date designated by the LA84 Foundation and the Play Equity Fund.
This action aligns with LA Unified’s Strategic Plan and ongoing efforts to create joyful, safe, healthy, and engaging learning environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive. By advancing play equity, the District continues its commitment to supporting the whole child and fostering healthy, connected communities across Los Angeles.
“Equitable access to sports and recreation should be considered a necessity, not a luxury,” said LAUSD Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “As LAUSD makes accessibility a focus when modernizing or maintaining our properties, whether it be school sites or district offices, I know that we can always do more to consider our students with disabilities. My hope is that one day, this District can develop a recreation or sports program specifically for our students with disabilities, and it starts with resolutions such as this one.”
"Play is an essential part of learning for students, particularly our early learners. I’m excited to promote Play Day and expand opportunities for our community to engage in active and joyful play," said Board Member Kelly Gonez.
"As a former high school cheerleader, I experienced firsthand the powerful impact that sports and extracurricular activities can have on a student's growth, confidence, and sense of belonging," said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. "We must continue to champion year-round access to sports, movement, and play so that every student has the opportunity to thrive both in and out of the classroom."
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Contact:
Grace Medrano, (213) 503-0883, [email protected]