Active outdoor play is an essential human activity across our lifespan. Being outdoors has proven benefits for our health, wellbeing, and cognition. However, healthy play experiences do not happen on their own, they require thoughtful and intentional design. In order to motivate people to play actively and for longer playtimes in the outdoors, we must start with design principles that are directly linked to increasing motivation, attention, and enjoyment in play.
In this Mobile Workshop, we begin at the conference hotel and walk to the Alliance Children’s Garden, winner of the ULI Austin 2021 Best Project Design Award. After breakfast and refreshments at the park, Suzanne Quinn, Ph.D., manager of KOMPAN Play Institute North America, will share specific insights on how to enhance active outdoor play spaces based on the characteristics of play and universal design. She will share specific examples of play equipment, materials, and design layout of the playground Alliance Children’s Garden. Content will be linked to research on how children play, and playgrounds that have proven appeal and lasting value.
Additionally, the designer of record and owner representative will share how the space was created with Austin’s unique culture in mind and with a grass roots effort. Attendees will be able to recognize the role of advocacy and stewardship in creating parks that foster connection, discovery, and belonging while honoring natural and cultural heritage.
Note: Participants should have the ability to walk (or push) two miles total.
