Playtime has seen remarkable growth over its 21-year history. Once a scrappy band of volunteers, Playtime is now a nonprofit leader that employs more than 15 staff members, hosts programs at 11 different locations, and supports the developmental progress of hundreds of children. With our 2023 name change removing the word “homeless,” and celebration of 20 years, we knew that it was time to refresh our look. But Playtime's rebranding is not just about aesthetics. Our new logo represents Playtime's commitment to inclusivity, to ensure all children can play, regardless of their housing status.
Over the years, our logo has featured the image of a house, highlighting Playtime’s commitment to those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. That said, we felt it was time to bring back the image of a child, who is the heart of Playtime’s mission. Unlike the traditional image associated with housing insecurity (such as a house or a shelter), our new logo shifts the focus to the child’s experience rather than their circumstances. So, after months of thoughtful deliberation and input from Playtime’s stakeholders, Cutting Edge Design helped us design a logo that captures the joy we bring to children every day.
The semi-circle of our new tag line, “The Power of Play,” paralleled with the curve of the ball represents continuity and progress, reflecting Playtime’s impact on children’s lives over time. Our child wears a cape, highlighting the playful imaginative world we create (since dress-up is an important component of our program and a staple of every playroom), while also symbolizing the resilience of children facing housing insecurity. The ball in motion represents play as a vital part of childhood, emphasizing movement, engagement, and fun. Our colors are now ADA-compliant and accessible, containing a color palette that is vibrant and playful, conveying optimism, creativity, and warmth. We also, based on strong feedback from the children we serve, kept “Playtime purple,” which has distinguished Play Rangers and Playtime staff members for more than ten years.
Overall, Playtime’s new logo embodies the joy, resilience, and boundless spirit of the children it represents. The child’s dynamic movement, paired with the uplifting colors and playful elements, conveys a sense of hope and possibility. By centering the child rather than a physical structure, the logo reinforces Playtime Project’s commitment to meeting children where they are—whether in shelters, schools, or community spaces. It highlights Playtime’s belief that every child, regardless of their housing status, deserves the freedom to play, grow, and feel empowered. Through this vibrant and engaging design, the Playtime Project logo serves as a visual representation of the organization’s unwavering dedication to uplifting children through the power of play.
Thank you to Cutting Edge Design for their help in designing our new logo! We hope you like it as much as we do.
