Washington Statewide Education & Funding Initiative 

Join us for interactive professional development events that provide training on how play and recreation are essential to creating healthier, happier communities. Ideal for parks and recreation professionals, landscape architects, educators, and other play advocates, these educational events are offered at no cost through PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research, and Education. CEUs are awarded. Attendees will also learn how to put research into practice to create National Demonstration Site parks and playgrounds. Did we mention these educational opportunities are FREE and include lunch?

• May 19, 2026 — Richland
• May 20th, 2026 — Seattle
• May 21st, 2026 — Vancouver

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Session Description & Learning Objectives:

Supporting Community Health & Well-Being Through Evidence-Based Park Destinations

Parks are essential to creating healthier, happier societies across generations. This interactive education symposium is designed to fuel your community’s passion for play and recreation, empower stakeholders to champion high-quality outdoor play and recreation environments, and equip professionals to align with the unique and diverse needs of their community. Attendees will be inspired by leadership case examples that thoughtfully implement design best practices that deploy research and positively impact health and wellness outcomes. The content, resources, and activities will offer new strategies and insight on ways to effectively champion key initiatives to increase physical activity, promote inclusion, support nature engagement, and address overall play value to support child development. Join professionals and community stakeholders to share your vision, make a data-driven case, and turn research into practice across the state!

*This Professional Development Event is free and offered at no charge through PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research, and Education, GameTime, Great Western, and Washington Recreation and Parks Association (WRPA).*

Learning objectives

1. Summarize three evidence-based design best practices to create high-quality outdoor play and recreation destinations.
2. Discuss model projects, positive community outcomes, and the health and wellness benefits of inclusion, physical activity, and nature.
3. Outline the collective impact findings and usage outcomes from play and recreation projects across North America.
4. List five tools/resources to assist with planning outdoor play and recreation destinations.

Schedule:

• 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Arrival & Networking Lunch
• 12:00 - 12:15 PM Welcome & Initiative Overview
• 12:15 - 2:00 PM Education Session: Supporting Community Health & Wellness
• 2:00 - 2:15 PM Overview of Statewide Initiative Funding Opportunity
• 2:15 - 2:30 PM Next Steps & Closing

Educational resources and continuing education credits (CEUs) and certificates will be provided at no cost. CEUs will be provided for a total of 2.0 Professional Development Hours (0.2 IACET CEU / 2.0 AIA HSW LU / 2.0 LA CES HSW PDH) for learners meeting outlined requirements. PlayCore employs the instructor of this learning event and discloses interest in participants partnering with PlayCore on their play and recreation initiatives.

Register Today