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Mara Kaplan is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive play and the director of the PlayPower Continuing Education Program, where she presents half of all on-demand courses in the PlayPower catalog. By visiting PlayPower’s education page and selecting any brand, professionals can explore an extensive library of high-quality training designed to elevate inclusive and cross-generational play environments.
Beyond her online coursework, Mara travels nationwide to deliver dynamic, hands-on workshops tailored to the needs of parks and recreation professionals, landscape architects, community organizations, and design firms. She has presented at state parks and recreation conferences, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Conference, and state landscape architecture conferences, and frequently offers in-office “Lunch ’n Learns” for landscape architecture teams.
Mara has also served as a keynote speaker for organizations such as KaBOOM!, Temple Sinai of Pittsburgh, and the Synthetic Turf Council—bringing her expertise, energy, and passion for inclusive design to audiences across the country.
Available Courses
Inclusive Design Foundations
- Designing Inclusive Playgrounds: The Parents’ Perspective
- Designing Inclusive Playgrounds for Varied Disabilities
- Designing Inclusive Playspaces
- Explore Inclusive Playgrounds
- Playgrounds for ALL
- Creating Extraordinary Playgrounds
Sensory, Autism & Varied Needs
- 10 Steps to an Autism-Friendly Playground
- Creating a Sensory-Rich Playground
- Enhance Your Park with a Sensory Garden
- Increasing Play Value with Playground Surfacing
- Piaget and the Playground
Cross-Generational & Multi-Age Play
- Designing Cross-Generational Parks
- Creating Multi-Generational Play Spaces
- Obstacle Courses for All Ages
- Swings in the 21st Century
- The Schoolyard Playground — Inclusive, Active, and Fun
- Add an Infant/Toddler Corner to Your Playground
Social Play, Engagement & Community
- Designing Social and Engaging Playgrounds
- Accessible Community Engagement: Involving People with Disabilities
- Building a Best Buddies Playground in Your Community
Mara can also develop a workshop, speech, or training specifically for your organization
