Start Date
07/17/2025
End Date
07/16/2027
Description
Play is one of the best investments we can make in public health. Research shows that play gets people to move more, connect more, and spend more time outdoors, laying the foundation for a lifetime of health and happiness. Regardless of age, ability, or background, everyone deserves a great place to play! But how we design
for play matters.
Meghan Talarowski, founder of Studio Ludo, a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is building better play through research, design, and advocacy, will present key findings of the National Study of Playgrounds. This was the first observational study of playgrounds to compare the impacts of design on physical activity and play behavior across gender, age, and socio-economic status. This data is the most current picture of playgrounds and their influence on physical activity in the United States. It identifies precisely what playground elements promote moderate to vigorous physical activity and how these elements may have a sizeable future impact on population health. Talarowski will discuss the benefits of specific types of equipment, the importance of site amenities, and the impact of sensory play.
Distance Learning
Yes
Course Equivalency
No
Subjects
Parks & Recreation
Health, Safety and Welfare
Yes
Hours
1.0
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the presentation, the participant will be able to:
1. Explain how the design of play environments impacts physical health and social behavior.
2. Understand how research can inform the future of play design
3. Describe the impact play environments have on public health for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Instructors
Meghan Talarowski
Course Codes
Provider
PlayPower, Inc