Free Play Fun Group: Raising Resilient Kids with our MPLS Parks

Matt4MPLS

Next to our kids, Mpls' neighborhood parks are our greatest resource. Lets get kids together to "FreePlay" ala Jonathan Haidt's LetsGrow.org

Lorraine B. Smaller Park

Next to our kids, Minneapolis' neighborhood parks are our greatest resource. Let's get our kids together to play like kids again just like we did! 🎉 I believe in Jonathan Haidt's "Anxious Generation" research and am bringing the LetGrow.org freeplay group concept to MPLS parks. Win or lose this Park Board Race: We need to do this for our kids. If you're like me and just want your kids to be healthy, confident, and not fight you when it's time to turn the ipad off, and maybe meet some fellow neighbors and parents and grow our communities organically, then please support. ⭐HOW TO HELP⭐1. Please join event if you can. 2. If you can't make it (I get it) -&gt; Please SHARE and let the parks know we want this. EVENT DETAILS:✅ Open to all families, free of charge (RSVP:✅ Basic play gear provided (balls, jump ropes, chalk), or bring your own✅ Adults are present for safety — but kids decide the games, rules, and fun✅ Parents can connect on the sidelines while kids build independence - BYO Coffee📌Loraine B. Smaller Parkhttps://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/06/28/north-minneapolis-park-renamed-after-community-activist Join us for Free Play in the Park — an event where children lead the fun while adults step back. No refs, no coaches, no scoreboards… just space to create, explore, and build connections. PARENTS: I may need a few volunteers to keep an eye on park exits, please arrive closer to 8AM if you can help with that. ---------------CAMPAIGN MESSAGE AND RESEARCH On the Park Board, I will:📊 Set Attendance Metric: More people making more connections 📊 Cost-effective programming that helps kids develop confidence and healthy habits. 📊 MAKE IT EASY: Fix websites, calendars, registration systems (less friction = more attendance) 📊 Advocate for Parents: As the only candidate with young kids I'm LIVING the experience. I use them every day and will ensure systems work with your schedules and logistics. LETGROW.ORG - JOHNATHAN HAIDT'S "ANXIOUS GENERATION" Research shows that unstructured, mixed-age play helps kids build confidence, independence, problem-solving skills, and empathy. Schools and communities that have introduced “Play Clubs” have seen great results: 😊Reduced anxiety &amp; bullying😊Improved behavior &amp; social skills😊Stronger community connections 🔗 https://letgrow.org/program/play-club/🔗 https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/08/kids-smartphones-play-freedom/683742/ 💸 Even better: it’s incredibly cost-effective. A ball, some chalk, and a safe space are all it takes — making this one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost programs we can offer families. 👨‍👧 As the only parent running for Park Board, I know firsthand how important it is that our parks work for kids and for families. This isn’t just a campaign promise — I’m already putting it into practice. If elected, I’ll work to expand Free Play Groups across Minneapolis so more kids get these benefits, and more parents make connections in our parks. Big Picture:This event is more than just fun (though it is fun). It’s a preview of what our parks can be: places that foster healthy habits, stronger communities, and cost-effective programming that delivers results. Let’s show what’s possible. Come play, connect, and imagine Free Play Groups in every park across the city.