SHAPE America Premier Partner SPOTLIGHT ON PLAYCORE
The SHAPE America Partner Program connects the business and nonprofit communities and our nation's health and physical educators. What's more, participating partners help support a variety of SHAPE America events, initiatives, programs and projects that promote effective health and physical education. Plus, these partnering organizations represent a wide range of products, services and expertise to help support your classroom. In this Premier Partner Spotlight, we get to know PlayCore, a global leader in play and recreation.
Q: For those that may not be familiar with your organization, please tell us a little about your products and services.
A: At PlayCore, we are committed to building healthier communities through play and recreation. We provide a comprehensive suite of evidence-based design programs, advocacy resources, and a wide range of products to create engaging and inclusive play and recreation environments. Our offerings include innovative playground equipment, shade structures, athletic field turf, site furnishings such as seating and trash receptacles, bike racks, indoor climbing walls for gymnasiums, and much more. By offering so many product choices through a single trusted source, we help schools and communities develop spaces that inspire active, healthy lifestyles for people of all ages and abilities.
Q: What was your organization's original mission and what are your goals today?
A: Our mission remains the same: to help build healthy communities through play, recreation, and outdoor spaces. From the beginning, we have
worked closely with schools, parks, and public agencies to create environments that promote fun, wellness, and active behaviors for all. Today, the same goal remains: to ensure that every child and community has access to high-quality, researchbased play and recreation spaces that encourage lifelong health, social engagement, and well-being.
Q: How many years has your organization been in business and what inspired you to work within the HPE community?
A: PlayCore is proud to have a legacy dating back to 1929. Today, we manage over 40 product brands, each dedicated to enhancing the power of play and recreation. Our work with the HPE community is driven by a shared commitment to fostering lifelong active behaviors in children. By supporting educators and schools with innovative products and evidence-based programs, we strive to help create environments where children develop a love for movement, contributing to healthier communities for generations to come.
Q: How do you feel your organization's products and resources beneficially impact the HPE community?
A: Our Play On! program was developed through extensive collaboration with physical education teachers, parents, and school administrators. Through these discussions, we discovered that many PE teachers were eager to incorporate playgrounds into their curriculum but needed structured activities that aligned with national standards. In response, we partnered with scholars and universities to develop 125 research-backed activities designed to be fun, inclusive, and engaging for children of all abilities, AND meet the SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards. These activities not only support physical development but also encourage a love for movement and play. Additionally, school administrators expressed a need for playground investments to serve more than just recess, which led us to design play environments that integrate the six essential elements of play. This ensures a well-rounded, active experience for students while maximizing the value of the space throughout the school day.
Q: What are the top 3 trending issues about which health and PE teachers reach out to your organization?
A: Health and PE teachers frequently reach out to PlayCore for guidance on:
Implementing standards-based physical education on the playground. Designing playgrounds that provide children with a well-rounded, engaging workout experience.
Developing strategies to measure program effectiveness and assess the impact of play and physical activity on student wellness.
We are dedicated to supporting educators with the tools, resources, and innovative solutions needed to create meaningful play and recreation experiences that inspire active and healthy lifestyles.