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Every student deserves a place to play, explore, and belong. As schools look for new ways to promote inclusion, playgrounds are becoming powerful tools for connection and learning. Today’s innovative designs go far beyond accessibility—they create multi-sensory experiences, encourage social interaction, and invite students of all abilities to play side by side. From musical play panels and sensory gardens to smart surfacing and interactive technology, inclusive playgrounds are shaping the future of education—one play space at a time.

When Westside Community Schools set out to modernize their facilities, they knew playgrounds would play a vital role in creating safe, inspiring spaces for students. But after facing challenges with earlier projects, the district needed a trusted partner who could deliver reliable solutions and lasting results.

Cunningham Recreation stepped in to guide the process—from assessing every site and listening to community feedback to developing thoughtful designs and ensuring smooth installation. The result: a new playground at Rockbrook Elementary that opened just in time for the first day of school, bringing smiles, excitement, and a renewed sense of pride to the entire community.

Playgrounds aren’t just for kids anymore—they’re becoming vibrant community spaces for every generation. By thoughtfully including seniors in playground planning, communities create places where grandparents, parents, and children can connect, stay active, and enjoy meaningful time together. With features like low-impact fitness equipment, shaded seating, and intergenerational play elements, these spaces promote wellness, reduce isolation, and celebrate the value of all ages.

On Sunday mornings, churches are filled with music, teaching, and fellowship. But when the service ends, where do families go to connect, laugh, and play together? Increasingly, the answer is outside—to thoughtfully designed church playgrounds.

More than just a place for kids to climb and slide, church playgrounds can reflect a congregation’s values, weave in faith-based themes, and create welcoming spaces for fellowship. From Noah’s Ark structures to family-friendly gathering areas, these playgrounds strengthen community, inspire connection, and show families they are valued.

When families head to the park, it’s usually the kids who get all the action while parents and grandparents look on. But what if play and fitness could bring every generation together?

That’s exactly what Family Fit Zones are designed to do. By combining playgrounds, fitness equipment, and interactive features, these unique spaces give children, teens, adults, and seniors a chance to be active side by side. More than just playgrounds, they’re destinations where fun meets wellness, and where communities grow healthier and stronger together.

When people think of urban revitalization projects, their minds often go to new businesses, housing developments, or road repairs. But one of the most powerful (and often underestimated) tools for breathing life back into a neighborhood is a playground. These colorful, creative spaces provide a space for kids to play, as well as serve as community hubs, gathering points, and symbols of positive change.

Playgrounds aren’t just for kids anymore—they’re becoming vibrant community spaces for every generation. By thoughtfully including seniors in playground planning, communities create places where grandparents, parents, and children can connect, stay active, and enjoy meaningful time together. With features like low-impact fitness equipment, shaded seating, and intergenerational play elements, these spaces promote wellness, reduce isolation, and celebrate the value of all ages.

Recess is learning in motion, not time off from education. Active play helps children recharge, practice social skills, and develop healthy habits that last well into adulthood. A well-designed playground offers opportunities for kids to move, explore, and grow in ways that textbooks can’t always capture, making playtime both fun and foundational.

When schools prioritize thoughtful play spaces, recess turns into a meaningful part of the school day. It transforms into an engaging environment where students can practice new skills, build confidence, and challenge themselves in a safe environment. Here are some essential features to include in school playgrounds that encourage active recess.

The backpacks are packed, the pencils are sharpened, and the kids are buzzing with excitement. These are clear signs that back-to-school season is here!

While classrooms get fresh coats of paint and hallways their annual shine, playgrounds also deserve some TLC before the first recess bell rings. After all, this is where students burn energy, build friendships, and get a chance to shine in ways that go beyond the classroom. This is why it’s important to make sure your school playground is safe and ready for the year so that kids can play freely, without unnecessary risks.

Playgrounds aren’t what they used to be, and that’s a good thing!

In 2025, communities across the country are going beyond the basics to create smarter, more inclusive, and more imaginative spaces. As playgrounds are increasingly recognized as important spaces for physical, cognitive, emotional, social development and intergenerational play, schools and communities are willing to invest in them.

At Cunningham Recreation, we work with cities, HOAs, schools, and parks departments to design playgrounds that spark joy, foster connection, and support lifelong wellness. Here are the top five playground trends for 2025 that are shaping the future of play.