Registration Open: December 1
Registration Close: Closing January 5
Date: January 14 ,2026
Location: The REC of Grapevine
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Spots: 35
Sponsored By: KOMPAN
Topic: Design for Active Nature Play
We are seeing a trend toward nature-based play and play in nature in parks and outdoor spaces. In this session we will review the current research on the benefits of nature and nature play for health and wellness and share ideas on designing a built environment that works with nature to support the benefits of active outdoor play. This session will include a review of research and case studies of successful designs for active play spaces that work with the natural environment and enhance nature play.
Learning intentions:
• Discuss trends in outdoor nature-based play and play in nature
• Identify design features in outdoor play environments that support play in nature
• Learn how to critique playground design to make the most out of natural features while being compliant with safety criteria
(All CEUs are approved for 1 credit AIA and LA CES for Health Safety, and Welfare and .10 credit IACET )
Presenter: Suzanne Quinn, PhD, FHEA, CPSI is the manager of the KOMPAN Play Institute, North America. In this role she monitors trends in active outdoor play and fitness, and conducts research that informs design. This includes testing playground equipment with children and conducting post-occupancy studies of outdoor play and fitness sites. Before joining KOMAPN, Suzanne was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Roehampton, London, Froebel College, lead researcher for funded projects, author of peer reviewed publications and author/editor of 2 international handbooks on child development for Routledge.
Register Here: https://membership.traps.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1553671&group=