IPEMA and Voice of Play: 2022 Year-in-Review
The International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing and promoting a market for manufacturers of playground equipment and surfacing. IPEMA also provides a product certification program for public play equipment and surfacing materials.
Our philosophy is to represent and serve all manufacturers of the playground equipment industry, provide members with timely, in-depth information on issues affecting the industry, and promote relationships with other related organizations.
The value of being an IPEMA member cannot be understated, with certification discounts, networking opportunities, and many resources available to our members. IPEMA also offers members the opportunity to serve on various committees including Marketing & Public Relations, Equipment Certification, and more.

 
In January 2022, IPEMA launched a LinkedIn page to reach our audiences more effectively. As this page continues to grow, so does our desire to promote our members of the playground equipment industry. You can also find IPEMA expert and current president Brad Pittam featured on the Schools in Focus podcast, talking about how to bring learning to the great outdoors.

Voice of Play
Voice of Play is IPEMA's initiative that focuses on the quality and quantity of free play and the use of playgrounds. Through unbiased, scientifically based information and resources, the Voice of Play aims to increase awareness and education about the many benefits of children's play, including the development of physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills.
This year, Voice of Play partnered with parents to spread the word about the importance of safer play, playing outdoors, and taking time during the week to head to local playgrounds. Through the educational initiative, we encouraged people to sign the Voice of Play "Play Pledge," which encourages families to make children's play a priority by ensuring that they have an hour of outdoor play a day at home and/or at school.
At IPEMA and Voice of Play, our goal is to provide the most up-to-date resources on play and the play industry. In 2022, we launched a brand-new Instagram page - full of quotes, blog posts, tips, and ideas to further promote the importance of play. We enhanced the resources on our website, including our blog, delivering new, fresh, engaging blogs once a month on topics like play ideas, activities, and playground safety topics for play advocates to read and share.
Whether you are a parent, caregiver, teacher, community group, child, parks and recreation professional, playground designer or equipment manufacturer, the Voice of Play website and social media pages are an excellent resource for those who want to learn about the many benefits of play.
As IPEMA and Voice of Play move into 2023, we will continue to focus on the importance of inclusive play, with an influencer campaign, blog posts and resources being added to our website and social pages.

IPEMA and Voice of Play is looking forward to another year of safer play and playground manufacturing. Visit www.IPEMA.org and www.voiceofplay.org.