Design Program // Pathways for Play
An Innovative Way to Bring Play to NatureInfusing Play into Pathways Networks
Although trails exist throughout our nation, it appears that a small minority of children and families are actually using them. Pathways for Play, developed by our parent company, PlayCore, in partnership with the Natural Learning Initiative, College of Design, N.C. State University, and American Trails, provides an educational resource to help communities plan, design, and promote playful pathways to make them more attractive to children and families. New research supports how infusing play along trails or shared use paths, which can be located in parks, or along greenways, can dramatically increase the frequency and duration of pathway uses by children and families.
GameTime worked closely with experts from American Trails to create our Play Trails products, educational signage and activity programs for communities to incorporate “play pockets” along trails and pathway networks.
Download the Pathways for Play executive summary!
Robin Moore
If we are going to solve the problem of sedentary childhood, we have no choice but to refocus intense professional attention on design for outdoor free play in everyday naturalized settings.
Attracting Children and Families
Pathways for Play provides best practice guidelines for upgrading existing or designing new systems that:
- Extend play value
- Enable health promotion
- Create family fun
- Expand inclusion
- Engage users with nature
- Reinforce environmental literacy
Become a National Demonstration Site!
Armed with the information in Pathways for Play, your community can build a playful pathway that will be recognized for implementing research-based best practice design guidelines. Your community will be awarded an esteemed National Demonstration Site designation to promote your leadership and gain national awareness. Learn more about becoming a National Demonstation Site.