The Evolution of Play: Trends in Outdoor Space Design - 1.0 PDH (LA CES/HSW)
Includes a Live Web Event on 10/21/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
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Play is more than just recreation; it's an essential part of healthy and thriving communities. In this session, we examine the changing landscape of play design and how new trends are turning outdoor spaces into destinations that promote wellbeing, inclusion and community connection.
This session establishes the importance of play and explores key trends in play and recreation design—such as adventure and awe, universal design, and the growth of outdoor fitness—and their positive effects on people of all ages and abilities. Attendees will learn how intentionally designed spaces promote development, support equity, and deliver measurable benefits to communities.
Learning objectives:
- Discuss the importance of play and outdoor environments in supporting individual and community development and why outdoor spaces foster unplugging.
- Use data and research to demonstrate the importance of public play, recreation, and outdoor fitness spaces.
- Identify key trends in play design and how they promote equity, outdoor engagement, and developmental benefits.
- Explore how trends in play align with universal design principles and how to incorporate both in playspace design.
ASLA Online Learning Labs, available exclusively to ASLA members, allow you to learn from the best in the business. Tap into the knowledge of the people and companies that are transforming the future of our industry through emerging trends and techniques. Discover real world applications that will put your projects above the rest.
This Online Learning Lab is brought to you by:
Image: At Jewett Park in Deerfield, Illinois, thoughtful design creates more than a playground—it creates a place where movement, exploration and connection come together. / BCI Burke
Sarah Lisiecki
Communications & Education Manager
BCI Burke
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
Business Development Manager & Territory Sales Representative – Northern Nevada
Buell Recreation
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.
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