The U.S. Play Coalition had a humble beginning - a storied tale of the literal back of the bar napkin" sketch during an informal conversation among colleagues and long-time friends in 2007. In 2008, a semi-formal gathering of play advocates ultimately led to creating "The 2009 Summit on the Value of Play" at Clemson University.

 
The Summit aimed to address our nation's problem with the erosion of the value of play by bringing together many authorities on the value of play to discuss its measurable benefits, leading to the launch of the U.S. Play Coalition in October 2009, with its headquarters at Clemson University. In 2023, the Coalition made a bold move to the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University to launch its next great chapter.

Since 2009, the conference has been one of the primary gatherings of leading individuals, organizations, and businesses involved in the advancement of play. In 2016, the US Play Coalition first connected with LASN and ASLA for our play conference themed "Where Design Meets Play." It was the start of a beautiful friendship, as they say! Pictured Here: Stephanie P. Garst, then-Executive Director for USPC, far left; Stuart Brown, MD, Keynote Speaker; Fran P. Mainella, USPC Chair Emeritus and Co-Founder; Peter Gray, PhD, Keynote Speaker; Brett A. Wright, PhD, UPSC Co-Founder at the USPC 10th Anniversary Celebration.

Click here to see this entry in the LASN 40th Anniversary Timeline:
[LINK: https://landscapearchitect.com/digital-magazine/landscape-architect/lasn-july-25.pdf&page=88]

As seen in LASN magazine, July 2025.