About Playworks North Carolina

All kids deserve the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play. We help schools and youth programs create healthy play environments where every child can join in.

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Meet Playworks North Carolina


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to North Carolina in 2011. Playworks North Carolina serves low-income schools across the Durham area through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across North Carolina through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.

Learn about our Impact

Read the Playworks Equity Statement

Our Mission


Playworks’ mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

Our Vision


Playworks’ vision is that one day every child in America will have access to safe, fun, healthy play every day.

Our Core Values

core values graphic

Meet Our People


November 30, 2022

Zoe Stevens ›

Zoe Stevens graduated from the University of Michigan with her degree in kinesiology and public health. She has a comprehensive background in research, looking particularly at childhood development and physical…

September 22, 2017

Janelle Averill ›

Janelle graduated with her degree in education in 2009, but quickly fell in love with the idea of spending her days on the playground teaching the power of play through…

January 30, 2024

Hallie Martenson ›

A certified camp kid and goofball, Hallie is overjoyed to contribute to Playworks’ mission to bring out the best in every kid through the magic of play. Hallie joined Playworks from…

Join the Team


We’re hiring! Join us on the playground or behind the scenes.

Open positions