October 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 103

Creating & Retrofitting
Play Environments
BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Designing Play Environments that
Integrate Manufactured Play Equipment
with the Living Landscape

The Natural Learning Initiative
College of Design, NC State University

On infusing nature into play, PlayCore's National Demonstration Sites in Springfield,
Missouri, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, promote
playful pathways, community nature infusion, and
programming. A data collection program is underway with North Carolina State University to analyze the impact the playful pathway is having on
the community.
In addition to their commitment to providing best
in class products and programs, PlayCore also offers outreach education programming for play. This

training service provides enriching experiences to thousands of
community stakeholders seeking
professional development and
continuing education credits. All
in an effort to extend best practices and make an
impact on the footprint of play across our nation.
" It all comes back to our mission and values, " says
PlayCore CEO Bob Farnsworth. " We have amazing
employees who are passionate about what we do,
and we invest in product innovation, research, education, and programming in order to become an
active ingredient to create complete, active, and
healthy solutions for the communities we serve. "
To learn more about PlayCore, visit www.-
playcore.com or start a dialogue at info@playcore.
com!

Products
GameTime-Creative-
custom and traditional
playground solutions for
municipal settings
Everlast Climbing-
indoor climbing wall
systems, educational
resources and climbingrelated products.
Spectrum Aquatics-
designer, metal
fabricator, and distributor
of high quality deck and
ADA accessible
equipment for
commercial pools.

Programs

Play and Park
Structures-fun, creative
play systems and
accessories for children.

Me2/2 Play Together-These
resource and programming
guidebooks are a recognized
standard for best practices
regarding play environments
that integrate all children in an
inclusive play atmosphere.
PlayCore's program research
with Utah State University's
Center for Persons with
Disabilities, and product
research and evaluation with
the National Lekotek Center,
have established PlayCore as
the recognized industry leader
in inclusive play.

NatureGrounds/Pathways for
Play-PlayCore's partnership
and research with the Natural
Learning Institute, College of
Design, NC State University,
resulted in two programs
designed to integrate nature
with built playground
environments and bring play
to trails and community paths.
The program has established
PlayCore as a thought leader
in the area of addressing
nature deficit disorder.

PlayOn!-Together with the
American Alliance for Health,
Physical Education, Recreation
and Dance (AAHPERD), and
their research arm, the
American Association for
Physical Activity and
Recreation (AAPAR), PlayCore
developed the only program
that brings NASPE standardsbased activities to the
playground to promote
physical activity.
For info on these and other
PlayCore programs, contact
visit www.playcore.com or
email info@playcore.com.

Big Toys-a leader in
" green " playground
equipment, 100%
recycled or green
materials.
Ultra Play-preschool,
playground, and " loose
parts " systems.
Ultra Site-picnic tables,
park benches and
bleachers, shelters, and
site amenities
GT Grandstands-
elevated & non-elevated
bleachers, stadium
seating, grandstands, and
press boxes
Tot Turf-poured-inplace, as well as a variety
of other playground
surfacing products

w w w . N R P A . O R G O C T O B E R 2 0 1 1 Parks

& Recreation 101

October 2011 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of October 2011 - Parks & Recreation