PlayCore

Back-to-school success starts with imagination. 🎨✨ At PlayCore, we know learning happens everywhere. Through imaginative play, children explore new ideas, practice communication, build problem-solving skills, and gain confidence. Whether they're creating stories, pretending to be explorers, or inventing new worlds, these playful experiences help develop the creativity and critical thinking skills that support a successful school year.

Fascinating new data on childhood stress, measured not through surveys, but through hair. Same age. Same grade. Same school district. The only variable was recess. Children given 45 minutes of daily unstructured outdoor play averaged 5.7 pg/mg in cortisol. Below pre-pandemic norms. Their bodies looked regulated. Children given 30 minutes or less averaged 18.2 pg/mg. More than three times higher. One in six children ages 2 to 8 now carries a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Nearly 70% of elementary students report stress tied directly to school expectations. We keep reaching for the complicated intervention. The biology keeps pointing at the playground. Thank you Dr. Deborah Rhea and your team Texas Christian University for this groundbreaking study, and to Say YES to RECESS and Playworks and many others for your compelling work in this space. Full breakdown — including what this means for adults — in this week's Substack. Link in comments.

Did you know? ✨ Some of the most impactful spaces are the ones you might overlook. From sensory-friendly features and quiet spaces to outdoor gathering areas and convenient amenities, every detail is designed to help visitors feel comfortable, welcome, and supported during their experience.

What's the true value of a park? From recreation and public health to economic impact and environmental benefits, parks provide value in countless ways. Join us on September 3 from 2:00-3:15 PM for Scholar Series Part 2: Parks Are Worth It! and learn how to measure, communicate, and apply that value to planning and decision-making. 🎓 Use code COMMUNITY for FREE CEUs. Register: https://hubs.la/Q04sHjJf0

Belonging starts with intention. Creating welcoming communities takes more than meeting accessibility standards. Join Beyond the Minimum Part 3 to learn practical strategies for building a culture of belonging on August 26th. Register FREE and earn CEUs with code COMMUNITY: https://hubs.ly/Q04rD-fW0

Research shapes everything we do. 🔍 The best family experiences start with evidence-based research. Insights from PlayCore help guide the design of programs, spaces, and experiences that support children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. When research informs practice, families benefit from experiences that help children learn, grow, and thrive.

Strong bodies. Strong minds. 💪 Whether you're joining a fitness class, setting new wellness goals, or simply making time for movement, every step counts. Prioritizing your health today helps create a stronger, healthier tomorrow.

Play is powerful. 💡 Research shows that play helps children develop problem-solving skills, build confidence, and learn how to navigate social and emotional experiences. Every game, discovery, and imaginative adventure supports healthy development. Because when children play, they're learning. 💙

What keeps people coming back to a community space? ✅ Comfort ✅ Variety ✅ Visibility ✅ Connection Thoughtful design creates places where people want to gather, engage, and return again and again.

Belonging goes beyond access. Join us for Beyond the Minimum Part 3: From Intent to Impact: Building a Culture of Belonging and discover how to create more welcoming, inclusive experiences for everyone. 📅 August 26 🕑 2:00–3:30 PM Register now with code COMMUNITY: https://hubs.la/Q04pGYqX0