05/29/2026
Parks are so much more than just recreational spaces—they are essential ecosystems where, through play, children learn, grow, and thrive!
Earlier this spring on Tuesday, April 21, the US Play Coalition and the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands brought their expertise to the forefront of the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association’s (IPRA) Early Childhood Summit. Eppley Center Director Clay Chafin teamed up with Early Childhood Center Director Dr. Katie Herron to present the keynote address, "The Power of Play: Bridging Developmental Science and Inclusive Park Design for Early Learners.” In their joint session, Chafin and Herron explored how intentional park design can be a catalyst for early childhood development, challenging attendees to view parks not just as recreational spaces, but as essential spaces where children learn and grow.
Dr. Kristy Anderson, Eppley Center Research Scientist and US Play Coalition program lead, also presented "The Research Lightning Lab: 15 Innovative Research Insights on Childhood Play.” In this fast-paced session, Anderson distilled 100 years of diverse and impactful research on play into 15 "lightning" takeaways. The team was thrilled to represent the Eppley Center and the US Play Coalition, and we look forward to a growing partnership with IPRA and the Early Childhood Summit.
