Transforming Parks through Imaginative Play
Track: Planning & Design

Thursday, May 5, 2016 | 10:45 to Noon

Speakers:
Dennis Meyer, Principal, The Portico Group
Jacob Dumler, Associate Principal, The Portico Group
Sherry Smith, Interpretive Content Developer, The Portico Group

Session Description:

Public parks provide imaginative play-based learning opportunities that teach and inspire children and adults to care about local nature, history, community and conservation. Each park and its surrounding environment has the potential to craft a unique and unifying storyline that feeds an endless collection of teachable moments concealed within both structured and unstructured play. Learn how your next park design project can impart informal learning through creative, engaging and site-specific play experiences and connect your community to nature and culture in new and meaningful ways!

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will identify the different types of learning styles for children.
• Participants will learn how to use unique site features to develop a storyline for park design that brings out creative play opportunities.
• Participants will learn to apply play-based learning techniques to create immersive, rich visitor experiences through design.