Growing Stronger Communities Through Play:
Playtime Project Opens Community Hub in Beltway Plaza Mall
September 21, 2026
GREENBELT, MD -- In response to the growing need for accessible, high-quality support for families experiencing housing insecurity in Prince George's County, Playtime Project has opened a new program hub that expands consistent access to critical services for children and their caregivers. A nonprofit serving Washington, DC, and Prince George's County, Playtime Project builds resilience through the power of play for children experiencing housing insecurity. The organization already serves every emergency shelter in Prince George's County, and its new “Playtime at the Plaza” creates a permanent home for year-round programs that strengthen children’s resilience, support families, and help more households achieve lasting housing stability.
“Families from our Maryland shelter partners often felt a sense of isolation once moving to more permanent housing,” said Jamila Larson, Founder and Executive Director of Playtime Project. “As grateful as they were to be housed, they were moving into empty apartments without the services and community they had in the shelter. When children asked to Uber back to the shelter so they could come to Playtime programs, we knew we had to bring Playtime to them. Families shouldn’t have to be homeless to find the services they need – Playtime is here to become part of their village, ensuring they have access to consistent support along their journey to stability.”
Many families from Prince George’s County shelters move into Franklin Park Apartments, one of the largest affordable housing communities in the country. “Playtime at the Plaza” is located down the street from the apartment complex, allowing families to easily access free play programing, family support, and community resources, while providing a space to meet other families and rebuild their village.
Over the next year, Playtime expects to double our footprint in Prince George’s County. By providing a safe, inclusive, and enriching space for children and families at The Plaza, Playtime is now better able to serve the diverse needs and populations in Greenbelt West, such as families experiencing housing insecurity, immigrant families, families living with low incomes, and families of children with physical and developmental disabilities.
On September 16, Playtime welcomed over 80 community members, partner organizations, politicians, supporters, and families to cut the ribbon and officially open Playtime at the Plaza. Speakers included:
– Katie Waldo, Chair of the Playtime Project Board
– Jamila Larson, Founder and Executive Director of Playtime Project
– Charles Bolden, former NASA Administrator and astronaut, and long-time friend of Playtime Project
– Ms. Coats, a current Playtime parent
– Kevin, a current Playtime participant
– Emmett Jordan, Mayor of Greenbelt
– Tim Adams, Prince George’s County Councilmember for District 4, representing Greenbelt
– Ashanti Martinez, State Delegate & Majority Whip representing Greenbelt
"Children are our sacred duty to care for and protect, and governments should support programs like Playtime.”– Charles Bolden, former NASA Administrator and astronaut
“Playtime at the Plaza is such a great example of what can happen when the business community, the city, and nonprofits all work together.” – Emmett Jordan, Mayor of Greenbelt.
The Plaza “provides families with a welcoming community-centered environment where children can engage in meaningful play while parents and caregivers connect with vital resources and support.” – Tim Adams, Prince George’s County Councilmember for District 4, representing Greenbelt.
Playtime at the Plaza: 6192 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Contact: Talia Curhan at talia@playtimeproject.org or 781-686-5646
