CLASS DESCRIPTION
This online course explores how thoughtfully designed outdoor environments can enhance physical health, mental well-being, creativity, and community connection for people of all ages. Drawing on research-based design principles, the course examines inclusive play, adventure and imaginative play, outdoor fitness, and outdoor learning environments. Students will learn how natural elements, universal design, and intentional placement of features can promote equity, engagement, and lifelong physical activity while addressing issues such as childhood obesity, screen time, and access to recreation. The course emphasizes practical strategies for parks, schools, and community spaces that foster healthier, more connected communities.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain how outdoor play and adventure contribute to physical, mental, and social well-being.
- Identify design strategies that support inclusive, imaginative, and adventure-based play.
- Describe the benefits of outdoor fitness spaces for multiple age groups and abilities.
- Apply research-based design principles to create equitable and engaging outdoor environments.
- Evaluate the role of outdoor learning spaces in supporting cognitive development, creativity, and overall health.
After successfully passing the Knowledge Check, participants will receive a completion certificate and follow-up email. The PRB+ University team is actively working to create partnerships with CEU-accrediting agencies and administrators. Please check back regularly for updates about new CEU partners, approved courses, and submission details: https://www.prbplus.com/ceus/.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Sarah Lisiecki, Communications & Education Manager, BCI Burke, combines a passion for play, the outdoors, and movement with more than 11 years in the play industry and hundreds of presentations given on topics like Inclusive Design, Musical Play, and Trends in Play at parks and recreation conferences, district meetings, landscape architect firms, and representative trainings. She studied Communications and Political Science at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and has been an integral part of many research studies on play, movement, and community impact. As an advocate for play as a critical part of development, she serves on the Steering Committee of the US Play Coalition, on the Parks & Recreation Editorial Advisory Board, as part of the IPEMA Marketing Committee, is a member of multiple play research project teams and the Product Development Council, and presents at a variety of conferences. She spends her spare time hiking, running, biking, and climbing, and with her (many) rescue dogs.