Press Release

GameTime Provides Up to One Million Dollars in Matching Funds for Play and Recreation Projects Throughout the State of Missouri
Funding program developed in partnership with Missouri Park and Recreation Association will assist with the development of 12 new playgrounds throughout the state

June 20, 2017 (Fort Payne, AL) - GameTime is pleased to announce the funding recipients of the 2017 Show Me Healthy Communities Statewide Training and Funding Initiative. The initiative was a partnership between the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association (MPRA), GameTime and PlayCore. 

In the training component of the initiative, PlayCore provided CEU-qualified professional development sessions throughout the state to share research-based best practices in playground design and programming. To help put these best principles into action, GameTime implemented the funding component of the initiative with a commitment of up to one-million dollars in matching funds to be distributed to agencies throughout the state. MPRA member agencies submitted applications for funding to assist with the development of playground spaces that encourage best practice designs for active behavior.

“What made this program unique was the educational training and professional development provided by our parent company, PlayCore,” said Robert Barron, Senior Vice President at GameTime. “These workshops throughout the state of Missouri equipped park and recreation professionals with the research and resources to create recreation spaces that are based on best practices, encourage children and families to be more active, and increase the usage of community parks.”

Each of the playgrounds that are funded by the initiative will be designated as National Demonstration Sites for data collection, and will contribute data toward the publication of a White Paper to highlight best practices and outcomes achieved. The initial findings will be presented at the 2018 MRPA Conference.

Jan Neitzert, Executive Director of MPRA commented, “We have always believed play was good for children. Now, we’ll have research-based evidence that our community parks are great places to play!”

The funding recipients are:

• Branson Parks and Recreation Department
• City Of Chesterfield Parks, Recreation, and Arts Department
• City Of Clayton
• City Of Ferguson
• Maryville Parks and Recreation
• Springfield Greene County Park Board
• City Of Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department
• City Of Clark
• City Of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department
• City Of Warrensburg Park and Recreation
• Mexico Parks and Recreation
• St. Joseph Parks, Recreation, and Civic Facilities

The specific funding amounts for each of these projects will be determined once designs are completed and approved by the related agencies.

About MPRA 

Founded in 1959, MPRA serves as the voice for parks and recreation in Missouri on the local, state and national level. The nonprofit association, whose members work to provide opportunities for all the state’s citizens to enjoy quality leisure activities, is dedicated to promoting public support for parks and recreation and public awareness of the contribution of recreation to a balanced life. Learn more at mopark.org

About PlayCore 

PlayCore helps build stronger communities around the world by advancing play through research, education, and partnerships. The company infuses this learning into its complete family of brands. PlayCore combines best in class planning and education programs with the most comprehensive array of recreation products available to create play solutions that match the unique needs of each community they serve. Learn more at playcore.com.

About GameTime 

GameTime is a leading manufacturer of commercial playgrounds, custom play spaces and outdoor fitness equipment. Headquartered in Fort Payne, Alabama, and with distribution around the world, GameTime has been dedicated to enriching childhood through play since our founding in 1929, and work to create play environments that make the world a better place for people of all ages and abilities. Learn more at gametime.com.