Design Program // Blueprint for Play®

Build Communities Through Play

Play and recreation bring communities together in a variety of meaningful ways. The resources found in this tookit from our parent company PlayCore are intended to inspire communities to maximize the very process itself as a pivotal opportunity to bring stakeholders together for a community based initiative.

The Blueprint for Play toolkit is a customizable resource to inspire and build communities through play and recreation initiatives. The guidebooks will help your engage stakeholders to ensure:

Refined and user-focused planning process
Robust funding initiative that embraces giving
Unique play space designed to meet specific community goals.
Dynamic build initiative that celebrates the community members' talents and builds social capital.
Comprehensive plan for using and sustaining the space to ensure a wise investment and a lasting legacy.

Download a copy of the Executive Summary!

Click on each guide below to learn more:

Plan It

An overview of the planning process to consider when undertaking a playground project. From initial site selection to engaging the community in discovering what your play space will need to be meaningful, Plan It helps you break the process into steps, and addresses the components required in each to move forward. Plan It is a helpful tool in any stage of playground development.

This Guidebook addresses the following topics:

Introduction
Assessing Your Needs & Budget
Choosing a Site
Evaluating & Enlisting Community Support
Selecting a Vendor
Managing a Successful Event
Planning for the Future
References & Resources

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Fund It

This book reviews many funding options available for playgrounds, from grants to fundraisers, then illustrates a variety of ways to use the strength of your community to engage donors and “make the ask.” A great resource for stimulating the creativity needed to discover your community’s funding strong points and capitalize on them for success.

This Guidebook addresses the following topics:

Aligning Values & Goals
Planning your Strategy
Soliciting Funding Sources
Grants
Making the Ask
Recognizing Volunteers & Donors
References & Resources

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Design It

A play space must be meaningful, inclusive, and engaging to be successful, Design It helps illustrate the key points to explore in playground design to help accomplish the goal. The book demonstrates ways codetermine your needs, then highlights a variety of methods for engaging children, stakeholders, and the community in the design process to reach a final design that can be used to rally community support and engage children and families for years to come.

This Guidebook addresses the following topics:

Create a Vision
Identify Goals & Best Practices
Ensure Play Value
Engage the Community
Report Outcomes
References & Resources

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Build It

Whether you are planning a community build effort, or would prefer to hire a professional installation crew, this book offers a variety of build models, helps you determine how to select the best one for your unique needs, then uncovers the steps needed to ensure your preferred build model happens on time and on budget.

This Guidebook addresses the following topics:

Getting Organized
Assigning Team Leader & Volunteer Responsibilities
Site Preparation & Tool List
Organizing Equipment & Construction
Celebrating the Grand Opening
Resources

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Sustain It

You’ll want to ensure your play space is used and maintained regularly! Sustain It provides basic information on playground maintenance and supervision, and illustrates a variety of activities and programs you can implement to help make it even more meaningful to the community!

This Guidebook addresses the following topics:

Maintenance & Supervision
Planning for Program Success
Programming & Activity Options
Marketing Services
Evaluating Programs
Resources & References

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