The Critical Role Accessible Site Amenities Play in Creating Outdoor Environments Where EveryBODY Feels Welcome

Providing a truly inclusive play or park experience requires thoughtful planning and attention to ensure that site furnishings and amenities are more usable by more people, including those with disabilities, to the greatest extent possible. The placement or location of site furnishings and amenities and their operability is key to providing an inclusive play and park experience. Site amenities and design considerations within the built environment should be integrated throughout park destinations to support inclusive, intergenerational play and recreation.  Scoping and technical guidelines for benches, picnic tables, grills, waste and recycling receptacles, picnic pavilions, drinking fountains/bottle fillers, telescopes, docks and piers, fitness equipment, toilet rooms, signage, and temporary events will all be addressed. This is the fourth session of a yearlong four-part Beyond the Minimums accessibility series. This webinar includes real-time captioning and video remote interpreting (VRI) upon request. To request video interpreting services and/or resources in an alternate format, please email core@playcore.com at least two weeks prior to the live webinar date.

1. Identify crucial elements that enhance inclusivity within play area and park design, recognizing how site furnishings and amenities can improve usability for diverse individuals.
2. Outline effective strategies to integrate inclusive design considerations throughout park destinations, fostering intergenerational play and recreation experiences.
3. List and provide explanations for technical guidelines about various site amenities, encompassing benches, picnic tables, grills, waste and recycling receptacles, picnic pavilions, drinking fountains/bottle fillers, telescopes, docks and piers, fitness equipment, toilet rooms, signage, and temporary events.
4. Discuss the practical implementation of inclusive design principles, predicting and exploring the impact on park experiences. Engage in conversations about the challenges and solutions associated with creating genuinely inclusive play and recreation spaces.

This session will offer the following credits:

0.1 IACET CEU	1.0 AIA HSW LU	1.0 LA CES HSW PDH	0.1 CEU	1.25 Electives

CEUs for a total of 1 Professional Development Hours (0.1 IACET CEU / 1.0 AIA HSW LU / 1.0 LA CES HSW PDH / 0.1 CTRS / 1.25 ACTCP Elective) will be provided to learners meeting the following requirements: 

• Be present for 95% of the duration of the learning event; 
• Participate in activities and discussion throughout; 
• Complete assessment with 80% mastery of learning outcome;
• Complete feedback/evaluation survey.

CEUs can be applied toward NRPA CPRP/CPRE renewal and ACTCP certification. To obtain your CEU, please visit the "Event Details" tab above to complete the associated components for this event.

Instructor(s) Disclosures:

The instructors of this training webinar are employed by PlayCore and disclose an interest in attendees partnering with PlayCore on their play and recreation initiatives.

Speakers Disclosures:

The opinions of the speakers in these events do not necessarily reflect the views of PlayCore and its brands.

Notes:

For any questions or to request a copy of the written transcript for this session, please contact core@playcore.com

Disability Park Awareness Panel

Meeting the minimum accessibility design standards for play and recreation areas is the first step to ensuring everyone can participate, enjoy, and experience park and play area facilities. During the session, a panel of individuals with disabilities and professionals who support persons with disabilities will discuss features that can “make or break” play and recreational opportunities for individuals with autism, people with developmental disabilities, people with various sensory or communication needs, or individuals who are neurodivergent. Strategies, design elements, barriers, and accessibility will be discussed differently. We hope you will join us for this look beyond the minimum accessibility design standards to discover how your community can make your park and play areas more inclusive for everyone. This is the third session of a yearlong four-part Beyond the Minimums accessibility series. This webinar includes real-time captioning and video remote interpreting (VRI) upon request. To request video interpreting services and/or resources in an alternate format, please email core@playcore.com at least two weeks prior to the live webinar date.

1. Develop a statement of understanding that demonstrates the features that make a park or play area inclusive for everyone.
2. Summarize the features and elements people with disabilities look for when choosing their recreational experiences.
3. Evaluate existing park and play areas, and identify barriers that may restrict people with disabilities from being able to fully participate in the provided recreational opportunities.
4. List two (2) helpful resources to obtain additional information or to utilize when evaluating new and existing park and play areas for inclusion.

This session will offer the following credits:

0.1 IACET CEU	1.0 AIA HSW LU	1.0 LA CES HSW PDH	0.1 CEU	1.25 Electives

CEUs for a total of 1 Professional Development Hours (0.1 IACET CEU / 1.0 AIA HSW LU / 1.0 LA CES HSW PDH / 0.1 CTRS / 1.25 ACTCP Elective) will be provided to learners meeting the following requirements: 

• Be present for 95% of the duration of the learning event; 
• Participate in activities and discussion throughout; 
• Complete assessment with 80% mastery of learning outcome;
• Complete feedback/evaluation survey.

CEUs can be applied toward NRPA CPRP/CPRE renewal and ACTCP certification. To obtain your CEU, please visit the "Event Details" tab above to complete the associated components for this event.

Instructor(s) Disclosures:

The instructors of this training webinar are employed by PlayCore and disclose an interest in attendees partnering with PlayCore on their play and recreation initiatives.

Speakers Disclosures:

The opinions of the speakers in these events do not necessarily reflect the views of PlayCore and its brands.

Notes:

For any questions or to request a copy of the written transcript for this session, please contact core@playcore.com

Splish Splash! Dive into Creating Accessible Aquatic Facilities

People of all abilities should have access to the many health benefits aquatic play and recreation environments can offer. Well-designed aquatic facilities provide opportunities for rehabilitation, exercise, socialization, play, rest, and relaxation for community members across generations. It is critical to consider the needs of individuals with disabilities when planning, designing, and programming these environments. This session will review provisions in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design that address independent access to swimming pools, water play destinations, splash parks, and spas. Accessibility Specialist, Bill Botten, will review the application of the requirements for aquatic facilities, as well as the scoping and technical requirements for pool lifts, sloped entries, transfer steps, transfer walls, and accessible stairs. Additionally, the session will provide suggestions to go beyond the minimum requirements to enhance inclusive aquatic recreation facilities, including lazy rivers, wave action pools, water play elements, and other site amenities to support the diverse needs of all visitors. This is the second session of a yearlong four-part Beyond the Minimums accessibility series. This webinar includes real-time captioning and video remote interpreting (VRI) upon request. To request video interpreting services and/or resources in an alternate format, please email core@playcore.com at least two weeks prior to the live webinar date.

1. Identify the ADA Standards for Accessible Design minimum technical requirements that address independent access to newly constructed and altered aquatic facilities.
2. Describe the application of accessibility requirements for an accessible means of entry for pool lifts, sloped entries, transfer steps, transfer walls, and accessible pool stairs.
3. Discuss Strategies for Going Beyond Minimum accessibility Requirements that foster the creation of inclusive aquatic recreation spaces.
4. Give examples of resources that include design enhancements for creating accessible aquatic facilities that support a diverse range of visitors.

This session will offer the following credits:

0.1 IACET CEU	1.0 AIA HSW LU	1.0 LA CES HSW PDH	0.1 CEU	1.25 Electives	1 CEU DEI or electives

CEUs for a total of 1 Professional Development Hours (0.1 IACET CEU / 1.0 AIA HSW LU / 1.0 LA CES HSW PDH / 0.1 CTRS / 1.25 ACTCP Elective/1 CEU DEI or electives) will be provided to learners meeting the following requirements: 

• Be present for 95% of the duration of the learning event; 
• Participate in activities and discussion throughout; 
• Complete assessment with 80% mastery of learning outcome;
• Complete feedback/evaluation survey.

CEUs can be applied toward NRPA CPRP/CPRE renewal and ACTCP certification. To obtain your CEU, please visit the "Event Details" tab above to complete the associated components for this event.

Instructor(s) Disclosures:

The instructors of this training webinar are employed by PlayCore and disclose an interest in attendees partnering with PlayCore on their play and recreation initiatives.

Speakers Disclosures:

The opinions of the speakers in these events do not necessarily reflect the views of PlayCore and its brands.

Notes:

For any questions or to request a copy of the written transcript for this session, please contact core@playcore.com

Playground Inspection & Maintenance: Preserve, Promote, Protect

Sustainable maintenance programs are essential to positive outdoor play experiences for children at their school and community playgrounds. This year, National Playground Safety Week is observed on April 22-25, and this webinar is designed to create awareness, maximize the value of playground investments, and create safer outdoor play destinations that promote healthy risk-taking and fun!  Routine maintenance and visual inspections are key to preserving play and recreation environments, and properly identifying and addressing potentially hazardous conditions supports safer opportunities to engage in the lifelong benefits of play.  

1. 1) Summarize safety considerations when conducting a visual inspection of playground equipment, surfacing, and the general area.
2. 2) Identify at least 5 potential hazards that can occur during playground inspections and effective corrective actions.
3. 3) Outline the key aspects of a successful, sustainable maintenance program and the significance of comprehensive documentation for accountability and follow-up.
4. 4) Identify two resources for developing inspection protocols based on industry standards and best practices.

This session will offer the following credits:

0.1 IACET CEU	1.0 AIA HSW LU	1.0 LA CES HSW PDH

CEUs for a total of 1 Professional Development Hours (0.1 IACET CEU / 1.0 AIA HSW LU / 1.0 LA CES HSW PDH) will be provided to learners meeting the following requirements: 

• Be present for 95% of the duration of the learning event; 
• Participate in activities and discussion throughout; 
• Complete assessment with 80% mastery of learning outcome;
• Complete feedback/evaluation survey.

CEUs can be applied toward NRPA CPRP/CPRE renewal. To obtain your CEU, please visit the "Event Details" tab above to complete the associated components for this event.

Instructor(s) Disclosures:

The instructors of this training webinar are employed by PlayCore and disclose an interest in attendees partnering with PlayCore on their play and recreation initiatives.

Speakers Disclosures:

The opinions of the speakers in these events do not necessarily reflect the views of PlayCore and its brands.

Notes:

For any questions or to request a copy of the written transcript for this session, please contact core@playcore.com

Empowering Communities to Innovate Public Spaces Through Playful Placemaking

Play lifts all voices! Community engagement is critical to innovating and creating a vision for the built environment to improve community quality of life. Using this collaborative play methodology during the design process allows communities to reflect on their identity and aspirations, fostering empowerment and decision-making. This interactive session aligns the scientific benefits of play to a playful placemaking approach that builds trust and enables strategic development with the design team.  This session introduces engagement strategies and invites participants to learn through interactive virtual play.

Participants will receive the Playful Placemaking: Community Engagement Strategies Using Social Science in the Design Process publication.

1. Identify key components of community identity through a play methodology, fostering inclusivity and amplifying diverse voices.
2. Discuss how social science principles intertwine with play techniques to guide communities in visioning, prioritization, and advocacy.
3. Give examples of how playful placemaking fosters trust and consensus among community members, facilitating the development of shared identities and actionable strategies.
4. Summarize the transformative potential of play in empowering communities to shape their collective identity and inform design decisions that align with their aspirations.

This session will offer the following credits:

0.1 IACET CEU	1.0 AIA HSW LU	1.0 LA CES HSW PDH

CEUs for a total of 1 Professional Development Hours (0.1 IACET CEU / 1.0 AIA HSW LU / 1.0 LA CES HSW PDH) will be provided to learners meeting the following requirements: 

• Be present for 95% of the duration of the learning event; 
• Participate in activities and discussion throughout; 
• Complete assessment with 80% mastery of learning outcome;
• Complete feedback/evaluation survey.

CEUs can be applied toward NRPA CPRP/CPRE renewal. To obtain your CEU, please visit the "Event Details" tab above to complete the associated components for this event.

Instructor(s) Disclosures:

The instructors of this training webinar are employed by PlayCore and disclose an interest in attendees partnering with PlayCore on their play and recreation initiatives.

Speakers Disclosures:

The opinions of the speakers in these events do not necessarily reflect the views of PlayCore and its brands.

Notes:

For any questions or to request a copy of the written transcript for this session, please contact core@playcore.com

Breaking Ground: Best Practices for Creating Accessible Routes and Surfacing in Parks and Recreation Facilities

Equitable and safe access to parks and recreation facilities begins with firm, stable, and slip-resistant ground surface materials along accessible, connecting routes. Thoughtful planning ensures people who use mobility devices or other adaptive equipment can move independently from site arrival points and throughout each park, play, and recreation setting. This session will address requirements for exterior routes and surfaces in outdoor recreational settings and offer design considerations to go beyond minimum compliance to make certain everyone has the ability to participate. Accessibility Specialist, Bill Botten, will review best practices for planning accessible routes, sidewalks, shared-use paths, routes to and within recreation facilities including play areas, sports fields, outdoor recreation areas, trails, and beaches. This is the first session of a yearlong four-part Beyond the Minimums accessibility series. This webinar includes real-time captioning and video remote interpreting (VRI) upon request. To request video interpreting services and/or resources in an alternate format, please email core@playcore.com at least two weeks prior to the live webinar date. 

1.  Describe the difference between accessible routes, sidewalks, pedestrian trails, circulation paths, and shared-use paths.
2. Explain at least two scoping and technical requirements for routes to and within recreation facilities including play areas, sports fields, outdoor recreation areas, trails, and beaches.
3. List three design considerations for accessible routes and surfaces that go beyond the minimum requirements of ADA to meet the needs of visitors of varying abilities.
4. Name tools and resources to support the planning process and help professionals advocate for inclusive design solutions specific to routes and surfacing.

This session will offer the following credits:

0.1 IACET CEU	0.1 CEU

CEUs for a total of 1 Professional Development Hours (0.1 IACET CEU / 0.1 CTRS) will be provided to learners meeting the following requirements: 

• Be present for 95% of the duration of the learning event; 
• Participate in activities and discussion throughout; 
• Complete assessment with 80% mastery of learning outcome;
• Complete feedback/evaluation survey.

CEUs can be applied toward NRPA CPRP/CPRE renewal. To obtain your CEU, please visit the "Event Details" tab above to complete the associated components for this event.

Instructor(s) Disclosures:

The information in this presentation is for educational purposes and is considered confidential. It may not be reproduced in any format.

This education session, materials, and event are complimentary and made possible through PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research, and Education.

The instructor of this learning event is employed or is an affiliate of PlayCore and may have an interest in participants partnering with you in your play and recreation initiatives.

PlayCore does not discriminate or make discriminatory remarks based on gender, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Speakers Disclosures:

The opinions of the speakers in these events do not necessarily reflect the views of PlayCore and its brands.

Notes:

For any questions or to request a copy of the written transcript for this session, please contact core@playcore.com

A Roadmap to Successfully Accessing Funding Through the Land and Water Conservation Fund

In August 2020, via the Great American Outdoors Act, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanently was funded at $900 million annually, offering funding opportunities for eligible projects to support land acquisition, recreational facility improvements and park planning projects. The National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers has developed a roadmap to help navigate the process, understand the requirements, and create a successful project application. Every project starts with a great idea! This session will provide a program overview, offer helpful tips to submit a standout application, and review a variety of resources to arm you for success!

1. Define what is LWCF and the eligibility requirements to receive funding.
2. List five helpful tools/resources to assist in submitting a successful application.
3. Outline the critical steps to the planning process, application submission, to post completion and sustainability of the project.
4. Summarize a successful case example of a public outdoor recreation project funded through LWCF.

This session will offer the following credits:

0.1 IACET CEU

CEUs for a total of 1 Professional Development Hours (0.1 IACET CEU) will be provided to learners meeting the following requirements: 

• Be present for 95% of the duration of the learning event; 
• Participate in activities and discussion throughout; 
• Complete assessment with 80% mastery of learning outcome;
• Complete feedback/evaluation survey.

CEUs can be applied toward NRPA CPRP/CPRE renewal. To obtain your CEU, please visit the "Event Details" tab above to complete the associated components for this event.

Instructor(s) Disclosures:

The instructors of this training webinar are employed by PlayCore and disclose an interest in attendees partnering with PlayCore on their play and recreation initiatives.

Speakers Disclosures:

The opinions of the speakers in these events do not necessarily reflect the views of PlayCore and its brands.

Notes:

For any questions or to request a copy of the written transcript for this session, please contact core@playcore.com

Beyond the Minimums: Disability Park Awareness Webinar

Meeting the minimum accessibility design standards for play and recreation areas is just the first step to making sure everyone can participate, enjoy, and experience park and play area facilities. During the session, a panel of persons with disabilities and professionals that support persons with disabilities will discuss features that can “make or break” the recreational opportunity for persons that are low-vision or blind, persons using mobility devices, persons who are hard of hearing or deaf, persons with developmental disabilities, and individuals that are neurodivergent. Strategies, design elements, barriers, and accessibility will be discussed from different viewpoints. We hope you will join us for this look beyond the minimum accessibility design standards to discover how your community can make your park and play areas more inclusive for everyone. This webinar includes video remote interpreting (VRI) and real-time captioning.

1. Develop a statement of understanding that demonstrates the features that make a park or play area inclusive for everyone.
2. Summarize the features and elements people with disabilities look for when choosing their recreational experiences.
3. Evaluate existing park and play areas and identify barriers that may restrict people with disabilities from being able to fully participate in the provided recreational opportunities.
4. List two (2) helpful resources to obtain additional information or to utilize when evaluating new and existing park and play areas.
   

This session will offer the following credits:

0.1 IACET CEU

CEUs for a total of 1 Professional Development Hours (0.1 IACET CEU) will be provided to learners meeting the following requirements: 

• Be present for 95% of the duration of the learning event; 
• Participate in activities and discussion throughout; 
• Complete assessment with 80% mastery of learning outcome;
• Complete feedback/evaluation survey.

CEUs can be applied toward NRPA CPRP/CPRE renewal. To obtain your CEU, please visit the "Event Details" tab above to complete the associated components for this event.

Instructor(s) Disclosures:

The instructors of this training webinar are employed by PlayCore and disclose an interest in attendees partnering with PlayCore on their play and recreation initiatives.

Speakers Disclosures:

The opinions of the speakers in these events do not necessarily reflect the views of PlayCore and its brands.

Notes:

If you do not have sound capabilities on your computer or prefer to listen by phone, please refer to the email reminder that you received which listed various telephone options. 

For any questions or to request a copy of the written transcript for this session, please contact core@playcore.com

Making Playground Safety and Management a Top Priority Series

Putting Your Plan into Action

While the needs and benefits of maintaining play spaces are important, so is understating how to create a plan and implement it. The Putting Your Plan into Action session will share information on the role and general responsibilities of the individual(s) (e.g., Playground Safety Program Coordinator) who would conduct routine visual inspections of play areas, operational and annual inspections, post-installation compliance and assessment, and hazard analysis and benefit-risk assessment of playground layout and design. Identifying the knowledge and competency required for these various subjects required for each type of playground inspection will be shared during the session. Most importantly, the underlying philosophy for conducting routine playground inspections will be discussed..

1. Identify at least three (3) Playground Safety Program Coordinator responsibilities.
2. Recognize the main objective of each type of playground inspection.
3. Outline the depth of knowledge required in each type of playground inspection and the underlying philosophy for conducting a routine inspection.
4. Identify at least two (2) training resources available to train the owner’s inspectors.
   

This session will offer the following credits:

0.1 IACET CEU

CEUs for a total of 1 Professional Development Hours (0.1 IACET CEU) will be provided to learners meeting the following requirements: 

• Be present for 95% of the duration of the learning event; 
• Participate in activities and discussion throughout; 
• Complete assessment with 80% mastery of learning outcome;
• Complete feedback/evaluation survey.

CEUs can be applied toward NRPA CPRP/CPRE renewal. To obtain your CEU, please visit the "Event Details" tab above to complete the associated components for this event.

Instructor(s) Disclosures:

The instructors of this training webinar are employed by PlayCore and disclose an interest in attendees partnering with PlayCore on their play and recreation initiatives.

Speakers Disclosures:

The opinions of the speakers in these events do not necessarily reflect the views of PlayCore and its brands.

Notes:

For any questions or to request a copy of the written transcript for this session, please contact core@playcore.com

Making Playground Safety and Management a Top Priority Series

Advocating for Maintenance to Upper Management Levels

The Advocating for Maintenance to Upper Management session will offer play facility owners and administrators information on the needs and benefits of these spaces. In addition, financial consequences of poorly maintained areas, and duties to manage and operate the facility to the highest safety levels will be covered. Special attention will be given to the role of the agency management to establish a proactive inspection, maintenance, and repair philosophy throughout the agency/department. During the session, we will discuss the key points of a written policy and procedures document to manage public play areas, the importance of hiring qualified inspectors and maintenance technicians to implement the policy, and the importance of continuously training staff.

1. List at least two (2) needs and benefits of play and playgrounds and their maintenance.
2. Identify and describe at least three (3) problems and their corresponding financial consequences that may arise from neglecting routine inspection and maintenance of the play and recreation area.
3. Develop a comprehensive strategy that includes specific steps and timelines for hiring and training qualified inspectors and maintenance technicians to effectively manage and maintain the play and recreation area.
4. Explain the significance of having a written playground management policy that is endorsed and supported by the owners' policymakers and top-down management and identify at least three (3) benefits that can result from such a policy.
   

This session will offer the following credits:

0.1 IACET CEU

CEUs for a total of 1 Professional Development Hours (0.1 IACET CEU) will be provided to learners meeting the following requirements: 

• Be present for 95% of the duration of the learning event; 
• Participate in activities and discussion throughout; 
• Complete assessment with 80% mastery of learning outcome;
• Complete feedback/evaluation survey.

CEUs can be applied toward NRPA CPRP/CPRE renewal. To obtain your CEU, please visit the "Event Details" tab above to complete the associated components for this event.

Instructor(s) Disclosures:

The instructors of this training webinar are employed by PlayCore and disclose an interest in attendees partnering with PlayCore on their play and recreation initiatives.

Speakers Disclosures:

The opinions of the speakers in these events do not necessarily reflect the views of PlayCore and its brands.

Notes:

For any questions or to request a copy of the written transcript for this session, please contact core@playcore.com