Recess, Designed With Purpose
Research-driven playground design + standards-aligned curriculum for K–5 schools
Promote Physical Activity & Fitness Through Active Play
Play On! is a comprehensive approach to school playground design and physical activity programming.
It combines a research-backed Design Guide with a standards-aligned Activity Guide to help schools create playgrounds that are more than fun. They develop students physically, socially, and academically.
Instead of treating recess as unstructured downtime, Play On! helps schools turn it into an intentional extension of physical education.
The result is a playground that supports physical literacy, improves wellness, reinforces classroom performance, and keeps students moving every day.
The Six Key Elements of Play
Spinning
Sliding
Swinging
Climbing
Brachiating
Balancing
The Play On! Design Guide
This planning framework helps schools design playgrounds around six essential elements of play. It's the perfect tool for designing a school playground.
It ensures your playground:
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Aligns with national physical education standards
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Encourages full-body movement
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Supports inclusive participation
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Promotes skill development across grade levels
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Makes it easier to justify funding and investment
The Play On! Activity Guide
A collection of more than 125 grade-specific activities for K–5 students that bring structure, energy, and purpose to recess. It's included with every Play On! playground.
Each activity:
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Makes activity fun and exciting
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Reinforces core motor skills
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Encourages teamwork and cooperation
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Requires minimal additional equipment
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Extends PE learning beyond the gym
Results Based on Research
Loved by Students, Respected by Teachers
Western Michigan University conducted an objective analysis of Play On! and found:
- 91% of teachers reported that playground use increased
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90% of teachers plan to use the program in the future
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100% rated the program 4-5 on a 5 point scale
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25% of parents participated in more family activity after the Play On! program was initiated
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100% of students reported having fun engaging in the activities
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90-100% of teachers reported that PlayOn! motivated students to participate in regular, enjoyable, physical activity in a safe and supervised environment
Play On! Executive Summary
Learn about Play On! and how to create play spaces based on research-based design. Download the Executive Summary to discover the best practices for creating school playgrounds that enhance student development and academic performance.
National Demonstration Sites
When you design a playground using the research in Play On!, your school is eligible to become a National Demonstration Site (NDS). NDS sites are included in national resarch and receive outcomes reports.
Outcomes Reporting
Schools who design playgrounds using the research in Play On! receive site-specific reports with the unique features of the play area, analysis of student well-being, estimated community health savings, and more.
Outcomes Reporting
Schools who design playgrounds using the research in Play On! receive site-specific reports with the unique features of the play area, analysis of student well-being, estimated community health savings, and more.
View the Play On! Summary Publication
Play systems that meet the requirements for Play On! include a Play On! Activity Guide. If you want to learn more about this standards-based curriculum, you can view the Summary Publication that highlights all the research and findings that make up the curriculum. Complete the form below to view the publication online.