Event: 2015 PRO Educational Forum and Trade Show at Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, ON:
Time: Wednesday, March 25 from 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Topic: Adult Fitness Parks: Promoting Community Health & Physical Activity
Background: Given the dramatic rise in adult obesity, promoting regular physical activity is a public health priority. Adult Outdoor Fitness Parks provide more available, accessible, affordable and enjoyable ways to exercise in neighbourhood parks and destinations. Through thoughtful planning, design, placement and execution, these parks can provide the well-rounded workout needed to improve health and overall wellness. We’ll highlight successful parks and demonstration sites that champion the unique benefits of this innovative solution to community health. Take home best practice design considerations, implementation strategies, evaluation methods and sustainability measures—and make your fitness park a winner.
Need more info? Watch this video here:
Event: (Pre-OALA Event) 47th OALA AGM & Conference at Delta Guelph Hotel in Guelph, ON:
Time: Thursday, March 26 from 8pm – 9pm
Topic: Words on Play: How Investing in Outdoor Environments Results in Healthy Community Outcomes
Background: Words on Play is a unique treatise by leading play scholars, researchers, advocates and experts in the areas of child development, inclusion, physical activity, nature and learning. Current research provides thought provoking insight, intentional design strategies and aligned messages to demonstrate that investing in outdoor play initiatives is a valid solution to creating a healthier, happier society. This session will further inspire and empower landscape architects to effectively advocate their work as a valid solution to enriching and enhancing the quality of life where we live, work and play.
*Eligible for CE credits of the Mandatory Continuing Education Program
Need more info? Watch this video here:
Are you inspired to attend one or both of these lectures? There’s still time to sign up! If you can’t make the event, feel free to contact a Play! Sales Associate to learn more about Words On Play and Adult Fitness Parks and receive your COMPLIMENTARY guidebooks.
About PlayCore: PlayCore’s mission is to build stronger communities around the world by advancing play through research, programs and partnerships. PlayCore is the parent company of GameTime, North America's largest manufacturer of playground equipment and the renowned leader in play and Water Odyssey, the industry leader of aquatic play equipment.
More about the speaker Jennie Sumrell:
Jennie has worked in the field of childhood development and exceptional learning for nearly fifteen years. She received her bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Learning from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a master’s certificate in Adaptive & Assistive Technology from the University of Miami, and a master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Jennie has presented as a guest lecturer at universities and at nearly 200 regional, state, national, and international conferences and play symposiums on a variety of topics such as inclusive play, bringing learning outdoors, engaging children with nature, promoting physical activity, and the developmental benefits of play. As the Director of Education, she works within PlayCore’s Center for Professional Development to conduct independent research with universities and play scholars, develop best practice programs to support play and recreation initiatives, provide continuing education through a variety of professional development events, and help communities advocate for play across the nation.
