Parks that truly serve a community must engage people in all stages of lifeānot just children or fitness enthusiasts. This session explores how thoughtful design can entice visitors of all ages not only to come to the park but also to stay, move, and connect. Through real-world strategies and design examples, participants will discover how to create environments that spark physical activity, social interaction, and a sense of belonging for children, teens, adults, and older adults alike.
Learning Outcomes:
Evaluate how the design of walking paths and circulation systems influences accessibility, comfort, and multi-generational use.
Identify design strategies that transform playgrounds into social hubs where adults and caregivers actively participate rather than remain on the sidelines.
Apply three design approaches for programming and shaping open fields to foster meaningful cross-generational play, recreation, and gathering.
Identify various types of playground equipment that support multi-generational play.