Celebrate 125 Years of Play

Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse was founded in 1899 by Richard and Sarah Smith. In the mid-1890s, child-saving reformers, social workers, and child psychologists were concerned about the health and welfare of urban children. They believed that play improved the mental, moral, and physical well-being of children. They urged local governments to construct playgrounds where children could play safely. Smith, one of the first examples of this thinking, opened in 1899.

Today, Smith remains a vital resource to the community, promoting and providing access to play for an annual visitorship of approximately 160,000, drawn from throughout the region. Smith offers children from diverse backgrounds free, accessible, and one-of-a-kind play experiences that support their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.

In 2024, we are celebrating 125 Years of Play, and we invite you to join in the fun. 

Committee Members

Become a 125 Sponsor

Everything we do is made possible by the generous support of our donors! Help us ensure our 125th Anniversary is one to remember by sponsoring this year’s exciting events and ambitious projects. For more information, please take a look at our Sponsorship Packet here!

For more information regarding our 125th Anniversary, please contact Cheryl Carson, Director of Advancement, at cheryl@smithplayground.org