Designing for Play Video

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Five Decades of Innovation Slide Deck

Over the past five decades, Jay Beckwith has introduced five innovative play systems and novel play apparatus that have become industry standards. In addition, Jay has been responsible for producing marketing collateral and CAD planning systems for these projects. His responsibilities often included developing and supporting regional sales representation including operating his firm covering California for over a decade.

In his books and many articles, Jay has promoted the benefits of play and especially child-directed play. Jay’s advocacy includes pioneering work supporting play for all. He has contributed to state and national safety standards, provided school districts and joint powers authorities with risk management guidelines and he is often asked to be an expert witness in play related legal proceedings.

Jay’s blog at playgroundguru.org provides regular updates on his current activities, a large part of which concern using the most recent research on child development, specifically the new information on cognitive and social-emotional growth as it can be applied to play systems.

Hap Parker

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Hap is a seasoned designer, with over 20 years of experience designing innovative playground products, including work for Gymboree Play and Music, BigToys, Kompan, Playcore, and his own design and manufacturing company, Sirius Play. His combination of technical knowledge, 3D CAD skill, form development, conceptual skill, and expertise in many manufacturing methods make him a powerful member of a product-oriented team. As an Evergreen State College graduate, he brings a broad background to his design discipline, including studies of play-related psychology, music, physics, visual arts, and mythology.

Dawn Sagorski

Dawn brings product development, project management, merchandising, sourcing and supply chain management experience to our team. Her experience includes management positions with Gap, Inc., Zoom Eyeworks, Inc. and most recently with Gymboree Play & Music where she managed children’s toy and play equipment departments.  She led the redesign project of their iconic play apparatus.