Our Mission
To empower youth in Racine County through equitable access to play, sports, and active recreation — fostering strong physical health, emotional well-being, and social connection for every child, regardless of background or circumstance.
Our Story
About Racine Play Foundation
Born from a belief that every child in Racine deserves the joy, health, and belonging that comes from play.
Who We Are
Rooted in Racine. Driven by Play.
Racine Play Foundation was founded with a simple but powerful conviction: that play — free, joyful, physical play — is one of the most transformative forces in a child's life. And yet, too many children in our community don't get enough of it.
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan in Racine, Wisconsin, our foundation works to change that. We partner with local organizations, schools, parks, and community leaders to ensure that youth across Racine County have consistent, meaningful access to physical activity, sports, and outdoor exploration.
We believe that play is not a break from learning — it IS learning. It builds bodies, strengthens minds, forges friendships, and lays the foundation for a lifetime of health and happiness.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Youth-Centered
Our Foundation
Mission, Vision & Purpose
Our Vision
A Racine where every young person — no matter their zip code, income, or ability — has the opportunity to move freely, play joyfully, and grow into their fullest potential through the power of physical activity and sport.
Our Purpose
We exist to bridge the gap between the children of Racine and the programs, spaces, and resources they need to play. We do this through direct programming, community grantmaking, and relentless advocacy for youth-centered spaces across our city.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
These principles shape every decision we make and every program we run.
Equity
We are committed to removing systemic barriers that prevent youth from underserved communities from accessing play. Equity is not just a goal — it is our lens.
Community
Racine is our home. We listen to community members, partner with local leaders, and invest in solutions that come from within the neighborhoods we serve.
Youth-Centered
Children are not a problem to be solved — they are the future to be celebrated. Every program and decision is made with their joy, dignity, and voice in mind.
Collaboration
No single organization can create the change Racine's youth deserve. We build authentic partnerships and amplify the work of others rather than work in isolation.
Impact-Driven
We measure what matters. We invest in programs with demonstrated outcomes and continuously learn and improve to maximize our community impact.
Joy
Play should be joyful. We cultivate environments where children feel safe, seen, celebrated, and free to be fully themselves — on and off the field.
The People
Our Team & Leadership
Passionate community members, educators, and advocates united by a love for Racine's youth.
Nate Perry
Executive Director • Leadership
Guiding the foundation's strategic direction, partnerships, and community impact with deep roots in the Racine community.
Nathan Thompkins
Director of Programs • Programs
Overseeing the design and delivery of all youth-serving initiatives, ensuring every program reflects our equity and quality standards.
Marcus West
Director of Events • Events
Planning and executing foundation events that bring the community together and drive our mission forward.
Kanku Ngalula
Marketing and Branding • Marketing
Leading marketing and branding strategy to amplify the foundation's mission and engage the community.
Governance
Governance Team
Providing fiduciary oversight, strategic direction, and board governance for long-term organizational health.
Mario Martinez
Governance Team
Andrea Mitchell
Governance Team
Gary Cotton
Governance Team
Alisha Stewart
Governance Team
Interested in joining our team or Board of Directors?
Get in Touch
Our Home
Why Racine?
Racine is a city of extraordinary character — a lakefront community with rich history, deep cultural roots, and an incredibly resilient spirit. It is also a city where many families face real economic challenges, and where access to quality youth programming has not always been equitably distributed. That's exactly why we are here. Racine's children deserve the same opportunities to play, grow, and thrive as any child in any city. Racine Play Foundation is our commitment to making that a reality — right here, on the shores of Lake Michigan.