PlayCore

Great spaces do more than serve one purpose. Multi-use environments create room for recreation, community events, everyday gathering, and flexible experiences that evolve with community needs. Thoughtful design helps every square foot work harder and welcome more people in.

That’s a wrap on Beyond the Minimums Part 2!

We covered a lot today; from ADA Title II requirements and program access to what it really takes to build a defensible Transition Plan for parks and recreation.

Now we want to hear from you: What’s your biggest takeaway?

Was it barrier prioritization? Cost planning? The difference between a self-evaluation and a Transition Plan? Drop your thoughts below and share what stood out most as you think about applying this work in your own community.

Let’s keep the conversation going.

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave service members who gave their lives for our country. We’re grateful for the safe communities and gathering spaces their sacrifice helps make possible.

One week away!

Join us May 27 at 2 PM ET for Beyond the Minimums Part 2: ADA Transition Planning for Parks and Recreation. Learn practical strategies for building a defensible ADA Transition Plan that supports inclusive, compliant parks and recreation spaces.

🎓 Earn free CEUs
➡️ Register with code COMMUNITY: https://hubs.la/Q04h0LPm0

Connection happens in the everyday moments. ❤️

From sharing a meal at the grill to stories passed between generations, thoughtfully designed spaces create opportunities for people to slow down, connect, and belong.

Because the best parks don’t just bring people in, they bring people together.

That’s a wrap on today’s placemaking session, and one idea stood out loud and clear:

Parks don’t succeed because they’re built well. They succeed because they’re stewarded well.

From unpacking the difference between maintenance and true stewardship to exploring how power, community voice, and resources shape long-term outcomes, today’s conversation challenged us to think beyond design.

What’s one takeaway you’re leaving with? Maybe it’s the importance of co-creating stewardship early, or a new idea for building long-term capacity through advocacy, care, and succession.

Drop your biggest insight below and keep the conversation going 👇

As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, water play is becoming more than a feature, it’s a climate-smart solution. 💧

Climate-responsive design integrates splash pads, misting elements, and natural water features to help cool communities, manage stormwater, and keep play spaces accessible even in extreme conditions.

Thoughtful water play design can beat the heat while building resilient, future-ready parks.

The best spaces aren’t just designed for youth, they’re designed with them. 🎨

When kids and teens have a voice in the design process, the result is more than a space. It’s a place they feel ownership of. From choosing features to shaping how spaces are used, youth input leads to environments that are more relevant, better utilized, and built for real connection.