Utah is Getting More Playful

GameTime is pleased to announce the funding recipients of the 2019 Utah Recreation and Park Association’s Healthy Play and Recreation Initiative. Up to one million dollars in matching funds will be given to Utah Parks for the purchase of new playground systems. This is the first year for the funding and educational partnership between the URPA, GameTime, and PlayCore.

In the educational component of the initiative, PlayCore provided CEU-qualified professional development sessions throughout Utah to share research-based best practices in playground design and programming. For the funding component of the initiative, GameTime made a commitment of up to one million dollars in matching funds for URPA agencies who submitted applications for assistance with the development of playground spaces that encourage best practice designs for active behavior.

PlayCore and URPA hosted educational symposiums in Utah to share best practices for play and recreation spaces.

“It’s exciting how play and recreation impact the wellbeing of a community. We have made it our mission at PlayCore and GameTime to enrich childhood through play with contemporary design, world-class manufacturing, and research-based programs and curriculum,” said Bob Barron, Senior Vice President for GameTime. “People want to learn, they want to make a difference. PlayCore’s training workshops are a great way to do this, providing park and rec professionals with research and resources to create spaces that are based on best practices. With that research, URPA agencies are better equipped to create recreation areas that maximize park usage and encourage children and families to be more active together.”

Each of the playgrounds funded by the initiative will be designated as National Demonstration Sites for data collection and will contribute data to highlight best practices and outcomes achieved.

GameTime's funding initiative will help Utah parks agencies design and build National Demonstration Site play spaces across the state.

“This is our first year being a part of GameTime’s professional development courses. We’re excited to start this new chapter and help local communities put research into action,” said LeeAnn Powell, Executive Director of URPA. “Our park professionals are incredible, they have a passion for bringing the best resources to their communities. We had an incredible amount of support from local agencies with this initiative, more than 40 people attended the professional development events in February and March. We look forward to seeing the impacting ripple effects in our communities! Congratulations to the five newly designated National Demonstration Sites in our state.”

The following are the 2019 funding recipients and will be recognized at the 2020 URPA Conference in March:

• West Valley City Parks and Recreation
• Herriman City Parks, Recreation and Events
• Lehi City Corporation|
• Salt Lake County (two projects)
• Nephi City

While the specific funding amounts for each of these projects will be determined once designs are completed and approved by the related agencies, up to $1 million in total funding will be matched.

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 we work with community partners to demonstrate Play Has No Limit®. Learn more at gametime.com.

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 URPA
The mission of the Utah Recreation and Parks Association is to actively support and promote the growth, development, and preservation of recreation, leisure, parks, and natural resources in the State of Utah. This will be accomplished through the development of high standards of leadership, facilities, and programs; acquiring and disseminating accurate information; promoting interest in and understanding of recreation and parks; acting as liaison with the National Recreation and Park Association as an affiliate member.

For an overview of the programs and services offered by the organization, visit https://urpa.org