The KOMPAN Institute of North America presents...

Today, more than ever, we need to take a fresh look at play and the needs children have for relevant, challenging play experiences. The KOMPAN Play Symposium sponsored by the KOMPAN Play Institute, brought together many influential people (see keynote speakers) whose focus on children and play are guiding the future of playgrounds.

This unique event is just the first step in helping us to broaden our understanding of the needs of kids through the sharing of knowledge and experiences from both our presenters and the attendees. The complexity of issues facing today's youth requires that we consider new directions and approaches and to develop innovative solutions.

We covered a broad array of topics (see agenda) from the science of the brain to international solutions to play and our current intolerance of "risk." We also had the opportunity to visit several local playgrounds for inspiration (see images).

Building Generation Play Symposium Materials

Getting Out in Childcare
Jim Greenman, Senior Vice President, Bright Horizons

A Nation of Wimps. The High Cost of Invasive Parenting
Hara Estroff Marano, Editor-at-Large, Psychology Today

Playgrounds as Health Intervention
Deborah A. Cohen, Senior Natural Scientist, Rand Corporation

The Brain and the Playground
Carl Gabbard, Director of Motor Development Studies, Texas A & M University

Modern Design for Play
Michael Laris, Design Manager, KOMPAN A/S

Denver Public School Learning Landscape Playgrounds
Bambi Yost, Project Manager, Learning Landscape Initiative, University of Colorado Denver

Play from Around the World
Carsten Madsen, Director of Global Sales, KOMPAN A/S

Check out articles related to the topics presented at KOMPANs Generation Play Symposium:

Building "Generation Play", LandscapeOnline.com, May 23, 2008

A Nation of Wimps, by Hara Estroff Marano

Babies Get Out: Outdoor Settings of Infant Toddler Play, by Jim Greenman