Bill Text: NJ AJR39 | 2026-2027 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates June 11 of each year as "Day of Play" to raise awareness on importance of play.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)
Status: (Introduced) 2026-01-13 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee [AJR39 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2026-AJR39-Introduced.html
No. 39
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
222nd LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2026 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman CAROL A. MURPHY
District 7 (Burlington)
SYNOPSIS
Designates June 11 of each year as "Day of Play" to raise awareness on importance of play.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
A Joint Resolution designating June 11 of each year as "Day of Play" to raise awareness on the importance of play.
Whereas, Play fosters resilience, creativity, and innovation in individuals of all ages; and
Whereas, The United Nations has recognized the right of the child "to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts" in the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and
Whereas, In March of 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing June 11 of each year as the International Day of Play; and
Whereas, Play and recreation provide an important step in the development of children in relationship building, creativity, cognitive abilities, and emotional skills; and
Whereas, Playful interactions provide mental health benefits to children, parents, and caregivers alike and restricting play can hinder well-being and growth; and
Whereas, Play is important for children and adults in developing and maintaining skills like cooperation, problem-solving, coordination and more; and
Whereas, Play allows socialization and inclusion that can transcend lingual, cultural, and economic barriers; and
Whereas, New Jersey is home to over two million children from various backgrounds who stand to benefit most from play; and
Whereas, New Jersey is also home to a number of non-profit organizations, public parks, and playgrounds dedicated to promoting play in all its forms; and
Whereas, It is appropriate for the State of New Jersey to improve public awareness and understanding of the importance of play, encourage play among residents of all ages, and to promote more initiatives at the State, local, and national levels to encourage play; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. June 11 of each year is designated as "Day of Play" in the State of New Jersey to raise awareness on the importance of play and encourage the citizens of the State of all ages to prioritize play.
2. The Governor of the State is requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing June 11 of each year as "Day of Play" in New Jersey, and call upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates June 11 of each year as "Day of Play" in New Jersey to raise awareness on the importance of play and encourage the citizens of the State of all ages to prioritize play. Play fosters resilience, creativity, and innovation in individuals of all ages. The United Nations has recognized the right of the child "to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts" in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In March of 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing June 11 of each year as the International Day of Play. Play and recreation provide an important step in the development of children in relationship building, creativity, cognitive abilities, and emotional skills. Playful interactions provide mental health benefits to children, parents, and caregiver's alike and restricting play can hinder well-being and growth. Play is important for children and adults in developing and maintaining skills like cooperation, problem-solving, coordination, and more. Play allows socialization and inclusion that can transcend lingual, cultural, and economic barriers.
New Jersey is home to over two million children from various backgrounds who stand to benefit most from play. New Jersey is also home to a number of non-profit organizations, public parks, and playgrounds dedicated to promoting play in all its forms. It is appropriate for the State to improve public awareness and understanding of the importance of play, encourage play among residents of all ages, and to promote more initiatives at the State, local, and national levels to encourage play.
