NCRPA Statewide Healthy Play Training and Funding Initiative 2022

NCRPA, GameTime, and PlayCore are aligning resources and strategically partnering to promote best practices in parks and recreation, provide quality education, and arm communities with evidence-based resources. The goals of the initiative are: 

Statewide Education: A virtual learning event will be available to NCRPA members, and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be provided at no cost through PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research, and Education (CORE). This professional development opportunity is designed to support NCRPA members’ efforts in applying for the Accessibility for Parks (AFP) Grant Program. The session and educational resources provided, will help you champion inclusive play destinations that thoughtfully align with evidence-based design best practices by addressing the needs of the whole child, the whole environment, and the whole community. Be inspired by case examples that have utilized the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design to demonstrate health and wellness outcomes. Join us, as we turn research into practice across the state of North Carolina- breaking down barriers for both physical access and social participation to healthy play and recreation. 

Funding: GameTime will provide up to $2 Million in matching funds to NCPRA members to support the deployment of National Demonstration Sites across North Carolina to create outdoor play and recreation spaces that align with the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design. These projects of excellence will implement evidence-based best practices in the areas of inclusion. 

Outcomes and Data Collection: Data collection, outcomes sharing, and impact reports will further champion parks and recreation as an essential contributor to improving the quality of life for children, families, and communities in North Carolina. Awardees will assist in data collection and reporting that will be shared with NCRPA and their members to create awareness, support advocacy efforts, and further the goals and mission of NCRPA.

Learning Objectives: 

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

(.1 IACET CEU / 1 AIA HSW LU / 1 LA CES PDH HSW)

For questions about this event, contact kathryn.barnes@gametime.com.