Programs & Research
We're In This Together
Expertise. Backed by experts.
As a PlayCore company, our playground manufacturer, GameTime, has access to design programs and educational curriculum that are developed by experts in the field of play and recreation. These resources are research-based and peer-reviewed by independent parties and provide specialized guidance to communities, landscape architects, parks, professionals, and others who want to create a recreation space that aligns with best practices.
We want everyone -- children, families, and communities–to succeed, so we provide these design guides, curriculum programs, and educational resources free of cost or obligation as part of our investment in your community. We also host educational seminars across the country on these and other topics. Seminars are provided at no cost and attendees are eligible for CEU hours.
National Demonstration Sites
Sites designed using these best practice guides are eligible for recognition as National Demonstration Sites by PlayCore. National Demonstration Sites are included in our online database, promoted in industry and educational publications, and utilized as case studies in community outreach sessions and educational workshops.
Professional Development and Continuing Education
Our comprehensive Outreach Education Program can provide free, customized, and educational seminars on a variety of topics surrounding play and recreation. Designed to be flexible in order to meet the individualized needs of our audiences, we invite you to experience these educational sessions and to maximize the many resources we have available. Our goal is to offer informative, innovative, and fun learning opportunities while increasing your awareness about the value of play and current trends in the industry.
Natural Playgrounds
A growing body of research reveals a strong link between childrens' experiences of being outdoors in nature and their psychological well-being and overall development. PlayCore developed the best practice guidebook, named NatureGrounds, with the Natural Learning Initiative, College of Design, NC State University to help communities deliberately design nature back into children’s lives to benefit play, physical activity levels, and to create richer experiences for all users.
Trail-Based Play
Trails and greenways are some of the most beneficial amenities in a community. Unfortunately, many trails are underutilized by children and families. PlayCore partnered with the Natural Learning Initiative, College of Design, NC State University to offer this educational resource designed to help professional and community activists promote playful trails and greenways across our nation.
Outdoor Adult Fitness Parks
Research is supporting the notion that outdoor fitness parks for adults provide a variety of relevant outcomes to community inhabitants through their increased participation in more moderate to vigorous physical activity. This guidebook, developed by PlayCore in partnership with leading experts in the fields of health, exercise physiology, and human performance, outlines the advantages of parks and outdoor fitness zones as critical health solutions, by reducing sedentary-related illnesses and removing the barriers to a life of fitness and activity.
Inclusive Playground Design
Developed by PlayCore in partnership with Utah State University, Center for Persons with Disabilities, Me2: 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design is a comprehensive guidebook for creating play environments for people of all ages and abilities. The program defines 7 principles of inclusive playground design that strive to create a truly inclusive and embracing play experience to meet the developmental needs of the whole child by intentionally providing opportunities for physical, cognitive, communicative, social/emotional, and sensory development.
Want to learn more about our programs and research? Interested in hosting a continuing education event? Please contact us!