What began as a playground movement has grown into a movement for more play, more joy, and real-world connections. We believe play is more than just fun. It builds connection, sparks creativity, and lasting friendships.
Most importantly, we know play isn’t just for kids. It is the heartbeat of a stronger, more connected community.
The Play Collective started when a group of parents looked around Claremont’s playgrounds and thought, “Wait…why do other cities get all the fun stuff?”
During the pandemic, playgrounds became lifelines, and that’s where many of us first found each other. Others joined later, looking for connection, laughter, and a chance to make our community shine a little brighter.
Our spark came when the City proposed an “updated” play structure at Lewis Park that essentially looked the same as the decades-old plastic structure it would replace, but with brighter plastic.We knew we had to act.
Together, we organized and formed Better Claremont Playgrounds, a small but mighty group of neighbors with big ideas.
PLAYGROUND ENVY:
OUR ORIGIN STORY
After countless hours of research, community engagement, and advocacy, we rallied the city to flip the script on playground funding, design, and engagement to bring the magic of play back to our parks.
Our first big win came in summer 2025 with the reopening of the Lewis Park playground, shaped by community voices and kid ideas. The result was natural, inclusive, and ridiculously fun. It even earned us congressional recognition.
