PRPS, PlayCore, and GameTime have partnered in a collaborative effort to improve the quality of life in communities through our Statewide Healthy Play Initiative. PlayCore and GameTime are interested in supporting PRPS's mission to advance the quality of life through connections, advocacy, resources, and education. The goal of this partnership is to provide quality education, evidence-based resources, and funding opportunities to create healthy play and recreation spaces across the state of Pennsylvania.
Statewide Education:
Interactive professional development events will provide training experiences about how play and recreation are essential to creating healthier, happier communities. Ideal for parks and recreation professionals, landscape architects, educators, and other play advocates, these education events, and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are being offered at no cost through PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research, and Education Deploy. Join us on May 21st , May 22nd, and May 23rd for an event in your area.
Register for a Professional Development Event
Funding:
GameTime will provide up to $1.5 Million in funding assistance to PRPS members to support the deployment of National Demonstration Sites across Pennsylvania to create outdoor play and recreation spaces that align with evidence-based best practices. These projects of excellence will focus on the areas of inclusion, nature integration, physical activity, and adult fitness.
Apply Now for Funding Assistance Due June 28th
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 Pennsylvania. Awardees will assist in data collection and reporting that will be shared with PRPS and their members to create awareness, support advocacy efforts, and further the goals and mission of PRPS.
Goals of the PRPS Statewide Initiative
Provide Professional Development Events
Broaden the knowledge base across the state
Presented by PlayCore master trainers, the CEU workshops cover important topics such as designing inclusive play and recreation spaces, creating nature-infused and trail-based play environments, encouraging greater physical activity for children, and promoting health and wellness for older teens and adults.
Deploy Research and Outcomes Tracking
Set the standard and improve quality of life
By gaining a better understanding of how parks are used across the state of Pennsylvania, PRPS agencies can adjust programming and usage to better serve children and families and have a greater impact on quality of life.
Develop Joint Use Ventures
Align parks, schools, and health partners
Bringing together the right partners means sharing services and increasing social capital in the process. Working as a team, we can make Pennsylvania a happier, healthier place to live, work and play!
Provide Matching Funds Assistance
Put research into action
GameTime is awarding funding assistance to qualifying agencies who submit applications after attending an PRPS statewide initiative event. Your application will include an essay that describes your community playground needs and desired outcomes.
PRPS Statewide Initiative Timeline
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Join a professional development event in May
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Apply for Matching Funds by June 28th, 2024
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Awardees will be notified by July 12th, 2024
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Accepted Application Project installed by December 2024
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Awardees will be recognized at the PRPS Conference & Expo in 2025
Master Trainer - Jennie Sumrell, M.Ed
Director of Education: Programs, Partnerships & Professional Development
Jennie has worked with children and families of all abilities for nearly ten years. Her formal training and experience in early childhood education, exceptional learning, special education, and assistive technology allow her to have a meaningful influence on program and product development. Jennie is responsible for programs and partnerships that help build communities through play and she leads PlayCore's community outreach providing continuing education to professionals across the country.
Lunch and Educational Resources Provided
Each educational event includes lunch and all educational materials covered in the session, including research and evidence-based guidebooks and curriculum from leading play researchers and universities.
Session Agenda
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- Arrival & Refreshments |
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- Welcome & Partnership Overview |
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- Education Session: Supporting Community Health & Wellness |
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- Lunch & Overview of Statewide Initiative Funding Opportunity |
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- Next Steps & Closing |
Times on the agenda will vary depending on your district's event. See specific site information at https://education.playcore.com/prps
Accreditation and CEUs
CEUs will be provided for a total of 2.0 Professional Development Hours (0.20 IACET CEU / 2.0 AIA HSW LU / 2.0 LA CES HSW PDH) for learners meeting outlined requirements. The instructor of this learning event is employed by PlayCore and discloses interest in participants partnering with PlayCore on their play and recreation initiatives.
Professional Development Learning Objectives
- Summarize three evidence-based design best practices to create high-quality outdoor play and recreation destinations
- Discuss model projects, positive community outcomes, and the health and wellness benefits of inclusion, physical activity, and nature
- Outline the collective impact findings of visitor sentiments and the usage outcomes from play and recreation projects across North America
- List five tools/resources to assist with the planning of outdoor play and recreation destinations