This week, Harper’s Playground hosted our Spring Design Workshop welcoming passionate advocates from across the country—including attendees from as far as Excelsior Springs, Missouri!
The day began with coffee and community-building, setting the tone for a collaborative and inspiring experience. Our morning session featured a design deep dive, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and nature in creating inclusive play spaces. Participants then embarked on guided tours of four Harper’s Playground sites: Couch Park, Esther Short Park, Marshall Park, and Arbor Lodge Park—the original Harper’s Playground—where they witnessed firsthand how thoughtful design fosters inclusive play.
In the afternoon, attendees engaged in reflective discussions and a hands-on design challenge, working in teams to conceptualize their own inclusive playgrounds. The day concluded with a happy hour, providing an opportunity for participants to share their visions and connect with like-minded individuals committed to building a more inclusive world.
If you missed this one, don’t worry—there are more opportunities to join us! Our next Design Workshops are coming up on September 10 in Seattle and October 21 back in Portland, and we’d love to see you there. These immersive, one-day experiences are perfect for anyone dreaming of bringing an inclusive, nature-inspired playground to their community. Whether you’re a city planner, parent, parks professional, or passionate advocate, you’ll leave feeling empowered, inspired, and equipped with practical tools to make your project a reality. Spots fill up quickly, so sign up today and take the first step toward building a better place to play!
We are grateful to all who joined us for this enriching workshop and look forward to supporting your efforts in bringing inclusive play to communities everywhere.