MISSION & HISTORY
Our Story
From One Team to a County-Wide Movement
In 2008, Paul Austin founded Play Marin with a single basketball team of nine players in Marin City. For over a decade, Paul championed this vision while juggling other professional roles, fueled by the belief that play is a fundamental right. In January 2020, recognizing the organization’s profound impact and untapped growth potential, a newly formed Board of Directors appointed Paul as the full-time Executive Director.
Today, Play Marin has grown from those original nine players to serving over 400 children and teenagers annually. While our scale has changed, our core mission remains steadfast: achieving diversity and inclusion through the universal language of play.
Why We Are Here
Closing the Gap in California’s Most Disparate County
Marin County presents a unique paradox. While it is frequently ranked as the healthiest county in California, it also holds a more troubling title: the most racially disparate county in the state across health, education, and income.
The data highlights the urgency of our work:
-
The median income for white households in Marin is often double that of Black and Latino households.
-
These economic realities create "pay-to-play" barriers, leaving enriching activities like competitive athletics, adventure programs, and the arts out of reach for youth in underinvested communities like Marin City.
By dismantling financial, geographical, and social barriers, we ensure that every child in Marin—regardless of their socioeconomic background—has a seat at the table and a spot on the field.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
We aim to level the playing field for children and teenagers in Marin County through the power of play.
Our Vision
We envision a Marin County where every young person can reach their full potential, fostering a truly unified, equitable, and just community.
How We Create Change
We don't just provide activities; we build a more connected Marin. We do this work through four strategic pillars:
-
We offer free or low-cost sports, recreation, and enrichment programs, ensuring that financial status never dictates a child’s opportunity to participate.
-
We intentionally form inclusive, cross-community teams. By bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds, we use play to foster the understanding, empathy, and unity necessary to heal community divisions.
-
Our high-quality programming focuses on the "whole child," equipping participants with essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, resilience, and positive conflict resolution.
-
Champion Equity: We leverage our visibility to advocate for systemic change and the fair distribution of resources, ensuring Marin invests in the potential of all its youth.
