Can’t Afford Summer Camp? These Playground Workers Can Help. NYT | Top Stories By: Winnie Hu 13 June 2026 at 23:33 City parks officials will put about 70 seasonal playground associates in New York City parks this summer to run free games and activities for any young person who shows up. © José A. Alvarado Jr. for The New York TimesPlayground associates work with thousands of children at New York City parks over the course of the summer.