The U.S. Play Coalition, an international network promoting the value of play, has found a new home at the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University. After a successful 2022 Conference on the Value of Play, the U.S. Play Coalition, who had been with Clemson University for 13 years, decided to make this bold move to facilitate continued growth and reach. The Eppley Institute was identified as the ideal place to launch the next chapter of the U.S. Play Coalition. Steve Wolter, executive director of the Eppley Institute, stated that the institute's recognition of the importance of play and play spaces, understanding of the roles of accessibility and equity in play, significant workshop and conference organizing experience, and utilization of research and analysis complement the work of the Coalition.

 
Stephanie Garst, executive director of the U.S. Play Coalition, expressed gratitude towards Clemson University. She credits the university's support for helping the U.S. Play Coalition carry out their mission to promote the importance of play in everyone's lives.

"Eppley is perfectly placed to partner with the U.S. Play Coalition because we recognize the importance of play and play spaces, understand the roles of accessibility and equity in play, have significant workshop and conference organizing experience and are an organization that values and utilizes research and analysis, said Eppley executive director Steve Wolter. "We also have a portfolio of program units and services that complement the work of the U.S. Play Coalition."

In place of The Play Conference this year, the U.S. Play Coalition has devised an exciting professional development plan for 2023 called the 2023 Play Date Tour, which will feature day-long "mini conferences" in different locations. Each "Play Date" will be unique, drawing inspiration from the location and play experts in that area. The Coalition's transition team has been working tirelessly since January to chart the course for the future, and the Eppley Institute is committed to the continuation, further stewardship, and advancement of all the initiatives of the U.S. Play Coalition - including the return of the annual Conference on the Value of Play in 2024.

https://usplaycoalition.org/uspc-new-home