The Place to Be

There's no doubt that the past year has proven parks' worth. As we've been hunkered down at home, waiting out the pandemic and trying to stop the spread, parks have provided a respite, a place where it is safe to get together for some (socially distanced) social interaction, physical movement and even just a little peaceful reflection in a natural setting.

And with spring on our doorstep, the number of people populating our parks is about to pick up again. Are you ready?

Every spring, our Guide to Playgrounds and Park Furnishings aims to give you the ideas, innovation and inspiration you need to plan and design your own parks.

In this year's guide, we start off by examining the ins and outs of park planning and design, with a focus on how the pandemic has changed our approach to the process. We also place an emphasis on the always-important issues of sustainability and social equity.

From there, we turn to some basic playground information—how to plan, budget and build playgrounds that will meet the needs of your community.

Finally, we consider the finer details of site furnishings, from the materials they're made of to how to keep them in top condition.

It's getting warmer out there, and even here in the Upper Midwest, things are starting to bloom. Soon enough, we'll all be heading back to the park. Get ready!

Be well,

Emily Tipping
Editorial Director,
Recreation Management
[email protected]