Harper's Playground

Fifteen years ago, Harper’s Playground was born from a simple yet powerful dream: to create radically inclusive, nature-rich playgrounds where people of all ages and abilities can play together. Now, as we honor of our 15th anniversary, we are filled with gratitude for every person who has been part of this journey – supporters like you, who believe in the power of play to change the world. Here are the three biggest ways to get in on the anniversary action: 1. Join us for an Anniversary Celebration where it all began at Harper’s Playground at Portland’s Arbor Lodge Park on June 1st. 2. Enjoy our most recently completed playground for our annual free Day of Play at the Chelsea Anderson Memorial Play Station (CHAMPS) at Vancouver’s Marshall Park on June 28th. 3. Celebrate in playfully-dressy style at our Summer(ish) Soiree at Portland’s AVENUE on September 27th. Tickets will be available later this year. We’ll have special anniversary activities at all three events, honoring everyone and everything – and every gift – it took to realize our shared vision of a more inclusive, joyful, playful world. Thank you for being part of Harper’s Playground.

We’re thrilled to bring back the Harper’s Playground Design Workshop with?THREE opportunities?to join us in 2025! In addition to two sessions in Portland, Oregon, we’re hitting the road and heading to Seattle, Washington. As the?only?organization offering this unique approach, we’re excited to share the tools to build truly inclusive spaces where?everyone belongs. If you are ready to champion an inclusive playground project for your community, this workshop is for you! ?? Take advantage of early bird pricing!??? ??? June 3?– Portland, OR ???September 10?– Seattle, WA ???October 21?– Portland, OR https://lnkd.in/g_EgTR8

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We are so thrilled to welcome Kate and Wendy to Harper's Playground team! They bring a deep understanding of fundraising and development that spans decades combined. Welcome Kate and Wendy.

?? Inclusive Playground Design Feature ?? To create a truly inclusive playground, beyond making it accessible and adaptable for people of all abilities, is to be able to change the way someone feels inside when they enter. This is done by paying attention to the smallest details that impact the overall look and feel of the space. We accomplish this by thoughtfully introducing bronze animal sculptures and artwork throughout the park to delight players. And if you look hard enough, you'll find details within the details. Marshall Park in Vancouver, Washington, hosts an array of bronze statues depicting native animals from the region in addition to turtles who use all types of wheels. Swipe through to see if you can spot the details within the details. Also swipe to end so you can see how Millie feels about it. We'll leave that up to your interpretation. ?? Make it beautiful. Make it inclusive. Endless gratitude for bronze artist Pete Helzer for his continuous contributions to helping us create truly beautiful parks. Learn more on how you can bring a radically-inclusive playground to your city here: https://lnkd.in/g_EgTR8 #inclusivedesign #inclusiveplayground #everybodyplays

? Exciting News! ? We’re thrilled to announce our very first Design Workshop happening in Seattle, Washington! Whether you're planning public spaces, advocating for inclusion, or simply dreaming of a better play space, this workshop is for you. We’re proud to be the only organization offering this transformative approach to creating spaces where everyone can belong. The Harper's Playground Design Workshop is the only hands-on experience of its kind that: -empowers you to create a playground that is truly inclusive, inviting, and natural -provides unique insights and proven strategies to help you design play spaces that foster community connection -includes a combination of interactive class time, hands-on design exercises, and playground tours -covers a brief history of playground design, essential play theories, and the tenets of our unique model -provides post-event support by offering specialized services such as playground design, site assessment and selection, accessibility and inclusion reviews, and more. Early bird registration is now available. Secure your seat today and help us spread joy and belonging in every community. We can’t wait to see you there! ?? https://lnkd.in/g_EgTR8 #InclusiveDesign?#InclusivePlaygrounds?#SeattleEvents?#HarpersPlayground

Registration is now open for two design workshops in Portland, Oregon, with a third workshop coming to Seattle in 2025! If you've been dreaming of creating an inclusive playground in your community, this is the perfect opportunity to get started. Tickets are limited for each event, and we're offering an early bird rate—don't miss out! Sign up today and take the first step toward bringing your vision to life. Discover the details at: https://lnkd.in/g_EgTR8 #inclusivedesign #inclusiveplayground

?? We are absolutely delighted to welcome four amazing new members to the Harper's Playground board: ? J. Davis Harte, PhD, WELL AP ? Felicia Lopez, J.D. ? John Toppel ? Kelsey Hulse, MBA These leaders bring incredible energy, diverse expertise, and heartfelt dedication to our mission of making inclusive play spaces a reality for all. ?? Let’s give them a big round of applause and celebrate the joy they’re bringing to our mission! #InclusivePlay #Leadership #WelcomeToTheBoard #HarpersPlayground

?? EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! ?? Harper's Playground Design Workshop—the only hands-on experience that teaches you how to design radically inclusive, inviting, and natural playgrounds for your community. Whether you're planning public spaces, advocating for inclusion, or simply dreaming of a better play space, this workshop is for you. We’re proud to be the only organization offering this transformative approach to creating spaces where everyone can belong. ?? Upcoming Dates: June 3, 2025, & October 21, 2025 ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g_EgTR8

?? EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! ?? Harper's Playground Design Workshop—the only hands-on experience that teaches you how to design radically inclusive, inviting, and natural playgrounds for your community. Whether you're planning public spaces, advocating for inclusion, or simply dreaming of a better play space, this workshop is for you. We’re proud to be the only organization offering this transformative approach to creating spaces where everyone can belong. ?? Upcoming Dates: June 3, 2025, & October 21, 2025 ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g_EgTR8