When are the 2024 workshops?
Spring Session:
Monday, June 17
Tuesday, June 18 (OPTIONAL BONUS PLAYGROUND TOUR DAY)
Fall Session:
Monday, October 21
Tuesday, October 22 (OPTIONAL BONUS PLAYGROUND TOUR DAY)
Where is the workshop?
This design focused workshop will be split 50/50 between a classroom environment and out in the field observing and touring some examples of our work. Downtown Portland, OR, is where we will spend most of our time, so accommodations near the center of town are ideal.
What Portland hotels do you recommend?
Here are five choices for great accommodations within walking distance from the workshop locations:
Hotel deLuxe: A tradition in downtown Portland near Providence Park, Hotel deLuxe boasts a famous beer garden and putt-putt golf area, The 19th Hole.
McMenamins Crystal Hotel: Located in downtown Portland’s West End, on the edge of the Pearl District, are the Crystal Hotel and Ballroom blocks – an area that could be renamed “rock ‘n’ roll row.” The Crystal Hotel, a century-old flatiron classic, has 51 guestrooms. Each room’s décor is inspired by a song or performance from the neighboring Crystal Ballroom's glorious past 100 years.
Ace Hotel: In the heart of Downtown Portland, a block or two from just about everything, Ace Hotel Portland offers “everything you need with room to dream.”
The Society Hotel: Come experience the intersection of the past (in what was once a sailor’s hotel), present and future Portland, tucked away in the historic neighborhood of Old Town Chinatown. Change your hotel perspective, where true originals are appreciated, and adventurous travelers meet.
The Mark Spencer: A more upscale accommodation in the heart of the city, Mark Spencer Hotel is only a 5-minute walk from the workshop’s location. We invite you to #StayLikeALocal.
Why attend?
If you are serious about building an inclusive playground in your community, this experience will really help you!
Who benefits from inclusive play?
Everyone! 15% of the worldwide population, or 1 billion people, experience some form of disability. These playgrounds allow for people of all ages and abilities to play together!
Why is it important for playgrounds to be accessible?
We want everyone to be able to participate in public life! We must design and build a public realm that is accessible to all. Public life should not be available to just the abled, young, or healthy; we want public spaces that work for everyone. We all navigate our built environments differently, with abilities changing throughout our life times.
Playgrounds are an important role in the public sphere, as well as child development. Active play benefits physical, emotional, social, cognitive, creative, and communication skills for people of all ages. Every person deserves access to equitable and inclusive play!
Why incorporate nature into playgrounds?
Experiencing nature offers many physical and mental health benefits for people of all abilities. Nature can also be beneficial and therapeutic for people with disabilities who can enjoy the experiential array of visual, tactile, and olfactory sensory information. Nature helps reduce stress and fosters connection to place and community.