Ballantyne Administration Launching Free Block Party Play Kits

This year, Somerville block parties are getting even more fun. Funded by Mayor Ballantyne’s FY26 budget, the Block Party Play Kits are free, borrowable kits filled with games and equipment to help neighbors turn their street into a playground.

Residents who apply for a block party license can now also request a Play Kit to bring added energy and entertainment to their neighborhood gathering. The kits are available at no cost, delivered and set up by the City’s vendor Knucklebones, and then picked up after the party.

Each kit includes a rotating mix of equipment to encourage all-ages play and neighborly connection. 

Possible items include:

• Giant Jenga and Connect Four
• Cornhole
• Scooters, PlasmaCars, and stilts
• Basketball hoops and street hockey
• Parachutes, jump ropes, hula hoops, and balance games
• Spikeball, tether tennis, and more

“Block parties are one of the best ways to build community on your street,” said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “By adding free Play Kits, we’re giving residents even more tools to create joyful, welcoming spaces where kids and adults alike can come together, play, and connect.”

How it works:

• Request a Play Kit when applying for your block party license through Citizenserve: somervillema.gov/blockparties
• Play Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be requested at least three weeks in advance.
• Kits are available for 1–5 hours on the day of your party.

Whether it’s your first block party or your fifteenth, Somerville invites residents to take advantage of this new program and bring some extra fun to their street this summer.

For more information and to apply, visit: somervillema.gov/blockparties.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.