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Programs & Research
We're In This Together
Expertise. Backed by experts.
GameTime benefits by its connections to its parent company, PlayCore, which has access to design programs and educational curriculum that are developed by experts in the field of play and recreation. These resources are backed by research 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.
Because we want everyone -- children, families and communities -- to succeed, we provide these design guides, curriculum programs, and educational resources free of cost or obligation as part of our investment in your community. In addition, we 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
Playgrounds, parks, and outdoor fitness places 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 & Continuing Education
Our in-depth Outreach Education Program can provide customized, free educational seminars on various topics surrounding play and recreation. Created with flexibility in mind in order to meet the individualized needs of our audiences, you can 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
There is an expanding body of research that reveals a strong link between children’s experiences of being outdoors in nature and their psychological well-being and overall development. PlayCore helped create the best practice guidebook, 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 children’s play, physical activity levels, and to create richer play experiences for all users.
Trail-Based Play
Evidence shows that 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
As research grows, it shows 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
PlayCore worked 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!