Inclusive Playgrounds: Designing Spaces to Bring Children & Communities Together - 1.0 PDH (LA CES/HSW)

Sarah combines a passion for play, the outdoors and movement with more than 12 years in the play industry and hundreds of presentations given on topics from inclusive design and musical play to trends in play at Parks and Recreation Conferences, District Meetings, Landscape Architect Firms, and Representative Trainings. As an advocate for play as a critical part of development, she serves on the Steering Committee of the US Play Coalition, on the Parks & Recreation Editorial Advisory Board, as part of the IPEMA Marketing Committee, is a member of multiple play research project teams, the Product Development Council, and presents at a variety of conferences. She studied Communications and Political Science at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and has been an integral part of many research studies on play, movement and community impact. She spends her spare time hiking, running, biking, and climbing and with her (many) rescue dogs.

Rachel Gora has been with Buell Recreation since 2010, bringing over a decade of experience in the playground and recreation industry. Known for her consultative approach, Rachel partners closely with landscape architects, municipalities, schools, and community groups to deliver thoughtful, high-quality outdoor spaces.

With a background as a kindergarten teacher and a mother, Rachel offers a unique blend of creativity, empathy, and practical insight. She understands how children interact with play environments and uses that perspective to help clients create spaces that are inclusive, engaging, and built to last.

Rachel collaborates with designers, product specialists, and manufacturers to ensure each project meets the highest standards of quality and functionality. She is passionate about creating environments that bring communities together and believes every project is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children and families.