Play Streets Community Toolkit

Let’s start planning.

We want the planning process to be just as fun as the event itself. There’s a lot to consider, such as location, time, and staffing. Below is a simple step by step process to ensure you have a successful event.

    • Take a look at the PlayStreets Kaua‘i (PSK) website.

    • Read the FAQs to learn more.

    • Identify the group of people or part of town you’d like to focus on.  

    • Get permission and support from your neighbors who live on the street and partners (organization / business) that provide services in the town.

    • Recruit neighbors, friends, community members, and volunteers.

    • Read the “Suggested Volunteer Guidelines” to learn more.

    • Decide who will do what: Here are some common roles that can be fulfilled by the Planning Team. If your team is small, one person can handle more than one role. 

      • Event Lead/Coordinator – keeps everything on track.

      • Outreach/ Engagement – spreads the word and invites people.

      • Activities Coordinator – plans the fun.

      • Volunteer Manager – organizes helpers.

      • Logistics/ Supplies – makes sure you have what you need.

    • Pick a regular time to meet and plan together.

    • Choose a safe, accessible street or public space. 

    • Check with folks in the neighborhood to make sure the date and time work for the community.

    • Fill out the PSK application form on the PlayStreets website, at least four months prior to the event date.

    • A PSK coalition member will contact you to set up a meeting. Together, you’ll go over the event details, any needed permits, street closures, event insurance, and waiver forms (for participants/volunteers) where applicable.

    • Connect with local groups, businesses, and organizations that might want to be part of the event.

    • Design your event flyers and materials. Think about different translations and formats. Feel free to use the PSK flyer template and the Translated Template Flyer (coming soon) to design your event flyer.

    • Give flyers to:

      • Schools

      • Local businesses

      • Community-based organizations

      • Churches or faith-based groups

      • Public housing sites

    • Promote your event online (social media, websites, email) and in person (handing out flyers and talking with neighbors).

    • Finalize your event layout map (PSK Event Layout Map Sample).

    • Double-check permits, pending forms, and other logistics with the PSK coalition. 

    • Confirm pick up and drop off times for equipment rental and/or PSK inventory. 

    • Confirm arrival times for volunteers and partners.

    • Prepare materials for:

      • Set-up and breakdown

      • First aid

      • Water and restrooms

      • Registration or sign-in table

    • Print your event-day schedule and volunteer assignments.

    Prepare evaluation forms or a simple way to collect feedback (if needed).

    • Arrive early for setup.

    • Welcome and brief volunteers and partners.

    • Give short opening announcements and safety reminders.

    • Take photos and gather fun stories from participants. Confirm with the event site on whether photo waivers are needed. (Sample photo waiver language)

    • Make sure everything gets cleaned up and thank everyone who helped.

    • Debrief with your volunteers, planning team, and the PSK coalition about what went well and what could be better next time. Some ideas to collect feedback HERE.

Post-Event Evaluation

After your PlayStreets event, take some time to review feedback and evaluation results to see what went well and where you can improve. Be sure to thank your partners, volunteers, and sponsors for their support, and share photos and highlights with the community to celebrate your success. Use these insights to start planning your next event—or even form a standing planning committee to keep PlayStreets going strong in your neighborhood!