The King County Play Equity Coalition (KCPEC) began with a simple but powerful question:

Why are some kids not playing?

Back in 2019, KCPEC partnered with a group of community leaders, educators, nonprofit directors, and public agencies to develop the State of Play: Seattle-King County, a report that revealed deep racial and economic disparities in youth sports and recreation.

They listened to youth, families, and youth-serving organizations. What they heard was clear, barriers like cost, language, transportation, and cultural exclusion were keeping thousands of kids from experiencing the joy, health, and connection that play brings.

So they formed a coalition, not to create one more program, but to change the system and make play equitable for all.

Today, KCPEC is a 120+ member collective action network working to ensure that all kids, especially BIPOC, girls, LGBTQIA+, immigrant and refugee, and disabled youth, have access to inclusive, safe, and culturally relevant play opportunities. From city parks to local and state legislators, our work reaches across sectors to shift how King County supports youth through play, recreation, and outdoor access.

At the heart of it all are the youth themselves. Through our Youth Action Team, young people lead research and design solutions to reshape how their communities understand play equity, increase access, and promote wellness.

At KCPEC, we’re building a future where:

Black, Indigenous, and youth of color have safe, inclusive places to play
Youth with disabilities are meaningfully included in sports and recreation
Girls see themselves represented and supported in coaching and participating in physical movement
LGBTQIA+ youth are seen and their identities are affirmed in play spaces
Immigrant families and organizations are shaping how public spaces and programming reflect their culture and needs

At KCPEC, young people lead, research, and co-design solutions in their own communities.

Play it Forward is more than a fundraiser; it’s a movement and a celebration of what’s possible when youth are trusted, resourced, and heard.

Join us for an evening of games, connection, and joy, and help us build a King County where every kid has the opportunity to thrive through play.

Play it Forward: A Night of Impact

KCPEC Fundraiser