Business Development Earthscape Play Wallenstein, Alberta
This session explores the transformative power of multi-generational play in modern public spaces and its impact on public health, safety, and welfare. Participants will delve into their own play “history” as they explore the fundamental definition of play and examine diverse play types. The session will examine how intentional play design contributes to physical health, cognitive development, social cohesion, and emotional well-being across age groups. Participants will discuss the importance of creating welcoming, inclusive spaces that promote equitable access and reduce barriers for demographics often excluded by traditional park design, including older adults, caregivers, and individuals with varying abilities.
Through a showcase of built play projects, the session highlights actionable design strategies that support safety, accessibility, durability, and extended site usability. Topics will include graduated risk and challenge, lighting and shade for thermal comfort and safe evening use, and the integration of social spaces that strengthen community connection. Ultimately, this session demonstrates how thoughtful multi-generational play environments advance public health, safety, and welfare while fostering connection, recreation, and lifelong play.
Learning Outcomes:
Define “play” and articulate its core characteristics—freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivated—and explain its role in supporting physical health, cognitive development, and social well-being across the lifespan.
Identify and differentiate between various types of play, such as movement, imaginative, risky, social, and “rough and tumble,” and evaluate how these play types influence safety considerations, supervision patterns, and inclusive design strategies.
Evaluate design strategies that accommodate diverse age groups and skill levels, including welcoming abstraction and graduated levels of challenge, to promote accessibility, equitable participation, and appropriate risk management in public play environments.
Discuss techniques to increase playable hours and enhancing social interaction through intentional lighting, shade, thermal comfort strategies, and integrated social spaces, with attention to user safety, visibility, and site functionality.
.png)
.png)