Sprinturf Healthy Spaces Council Meeting Brings Industry Leaders Together to Advance Recreation and Play Design

Daniel Island, SC — [February 10, 2025] – Leading architects and industry professionals dedicated to designing recreation and play spaces convened at the Healthy Spaces Council meeting last week in Chattanooga, TN. The event was hosted by Sprinturf, a PlayCore company, and was focused on sustainability, accessibility, performance testing, and playground surfacing, with expert-led presentations and discussions addressing key challenges and advancements in the industry.

The program featured industry experts who provided insights into best practices, emerging technologies, and evolving standards in the field. Speakers included Amy Phinney of NOVA Chemicals, who discussed sustainability and recycling in synthetic turf; Bill Botten, an accessibility consultant, who addressed best practices for inclusive recreation spaces; Jeff Gentile of Firefly Sports Testing, who examined performance testing for sports surfaces; and Tom DiScipio of PlayCore, who presented an overview of playground surfacing options. A panel discussion of leading play and recreation companies provided additional perspectives on the future of recreation space design.

The event also served as the launch platform for the LEAP Grant Program, which provides matching funds to help schools, local governments, and community organizations develop innovative, inclusive athletic fields and play spaces. The program supports projects that incorporate synthetic turf as a durable, eco-friendly solution for high-performance play areas, prioritizing sustainable design and accessibility. Attendees learned about funding opportunities, project criteria, and the application process, which is open through March 15, 2025.

The Healthy Spaces Council meeting serves as a platform for professionals dedicated to advancing the design and functionality of recreation and play spaces. Through facility tours, educational sessions, and collaborative discussions, attendees gained insights and strategies to address evolving industry needs.

For more information about Sprinturf and PlayCore’s efforts in recreation space design, visit www.sprinturf.com and www.playcore.com.