Utah

PlayShop
2018-03-23 13:30 - 16:30 (America/Denver) | Silver Mesa Elementary School, 8920 South 1700 East, Sandy, UT, 84093, United States
In partnership with Canyons School District, Playworks is pleased to offer our PlayShop, a three-hour experiential workshop designed to empower you to transform your recess. The PlayShop will equip you with:

Tangible group management and conflict resolution tools that can be implemented immediately
An inspired understanding of how recess, play and physical activity can positively impact school climate
A powerful perspective on the barriers students face when accessing healthy play and how adults can ease those challenges

Training great for principals, classroom teachers, recess staff, parent volunteers and PE teachers.
When:
Friday, March 23, 2018
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM MDT
Where:
Silver Mesa Elementary
8920 S 1700 E.
Sandy, UT 84093
Register

Race to Reduce Bullying
2018-03-24 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Wheeler Historic Farm, 6351 South 900 East, Murray, 84121, United States
On your mark, get set, reduce bullying!
Playworks Utah’s 7th annual Race to Reduce Bullying will take place on March 24, 2018, at Wheeler Historic Farm. All runners, walkers, crawlers and four-legged friends are invited to participate in the most playful 5k in the state. Run, hop, skip and jump your way through our fun-filled course and enjoy hot cocoa, games and all the farm has to offer!
Every participant will receive a running swag bag, including a water bottle, a race shirt provided by our Apparel Sponsor, Game Gear, and the chance to win an awesome outdoor fun package, which includes four Disney park-hopper tickets valued at $628.
Playworks believes that one day every child in America will get to play—every day. In Utah, our goal is to provide 175,000 kids with the opportunity to engage in safe, meaningful play throughout the school day by December 2020. Through Playworks programming, each child identifies as an important member of the community and is empowered to be a leader both in the classroom and out. We teach teamwork, cooperation, conflict resolution, leadership, and healthy lifestyle decisions when dealing with others. Help reduce bullying in Utah elementary schools by participating in the most playful 5k in the greater Salt Lake area. Register early here to guarantee your spot!
Register Here
Time:
9:00 registration/check-in begins
9:45 pre-race stretch
10:00 5K begins

Explore
We have limited spaces available for corporate teams as well as several ways in which interested corporations can strategically partner with us that include branding opportunities, table/vendor space and product placement in runner’s packets. For more information on sponsorship opportunities please contact Rachel Tibolla at Rachel.Tibolla@playworks.org or 801.712.1169

2018 Sponsors:
Lead Sponsors:

Check out photos from last year’s race on Facebook:

Play Elevated 2018
2018-10-25 18:30 (America/Denver) | Union Event Center, 235 N 500 W, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116, United States
Our Fourth Annual Play Elevated Gala will be held at The Union on Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
We believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid.
Play has a long-lasting and extremely transformative power not only on children as individuals but also in strengthening our communities. Playworks gives children throughout Utah the chance to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and academically by getting in the game.
Your ticket will get you in the door to an entertaining and playful event with dinner, unlimited drinks, and an opportunity drawing ticket. You’ll hear directly from our students about what Playworks means to them. Play Elevated raises critical funds to support our statewide school-based programs. You don’t want to miss out on the party of the year, so buy your tickets before time runs out!
Individual: $75
Table (of eight): $500
RSVP
You can find The Union Event Center parking instructions here.

Is your business or organization interested in spearheading the safe and healthy play movement? We have just the right sponsorship opportunity for you. Choose from options that range in price and branding exposure. RSVP today to reserve your sponsorship or contact Rachel Tibolla at rachel.tibolla@playworks.org or 801-590-9478 to receive more information.
Home Town Hero: $10,000
In addition to 24 tickets for your employees to attend Play Elevated, eight educators will receive sponsored tickets to the gala. Our Hometown Hero will be given the opportunity to speak on stage and/or present an award, and will also enjoy the industry and presenting sponsor exclusivity on all materials and outreach. A company representative may be named “Host Committee Chair” on all event materials and premier branding opportunities will be available in a variety of both digital and print forms before, during and after the event. Additional opportunities to “adopt” a Playworks partner school, volunteer with kids at a Playworks partner school, and/or host a Playworks recess at your company are also available to our Home Town Hero.
Playground Champion: $5,000
As a Playground Champion, your company will receive 16 tickets to Play Elevated, along with 4 sponsored educator tickets. One company representative will be listed as “Host Committee Chair” on all event materials. Premier branding opportunities are available in a variety of both digital and print forms before, during and after the event. Additional opportunities to volunteer with kids at a Playworks partner school or host a Playworks recess at your company are also available.
High-Five Sponsor: $2,500
A High-Five Sponsor receives 16 tickets for employees to attend Play Elevated as well as 2 sponsored educator tickets. A representative will be listed as “Host Committee Chair” on all event materials and numerous branding opportunities are available through social media outlets, our website, emails and event signage.
Play Sponsor: $1,500
Our Field Sponsors will receive 16 tickets for employees to enjoy Play Elevated. Branding opportunities are included through social media outlets, our website, emails and event signage.
Table Sponsor: $750
Table Sponsors receive eight tickets for Play Elevated and branding opportunities through social media outlets, our website, emails and event signage.

These sponsors are helping to ensure that 175,000 children in 250 schools throughout Utah will get to experience safe and healthy play by December 2020. Sign up for a sponsorship today to get in the game!
Special Thank you to This Year’s Sponsors:

Race to Reduce Bullying
2019-03-30 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Wheeler Historic Farm, 6351 South 900 East, Murray, 84121, United States
On your mark, get set, reduce bullying!
All runners, walkers, crawlers and four-legged friends are invited to participate in the most playful 5k in the state. Run, hop, skip, and jump your way through our fun-filled course and enjoy hot cocoa, games, and all the farm has to offer. Every participant will receive a running swag bag, including a water bottle, a race shirt provided by Team Custom Gear, and the chance to win our Real Players Basket (including tickets to Brighton Ski Resort)!
Playworks believes that one day every child in America will get to play—every day. In Utah, our goal is to provide kids with the opportunity to engage in safe, meaningful play. Through Playworks programming, each child identifies as an important member of the community and is empowered to be a leader both in the classroom and out. We teach teamwork, cooperation, conflict resolution, and leadership skills to help kids have a better experience at school and a brighter future. Help us reduce bullying in Utah elementary schools by participating in the most playful 5k in the greater Salt Lake area. Register now to guarantee your spot!
***Event will happen rain or shine!
Register Here
Time
9 a.m. – Registration/check-in begins
9:45 a.m. – Pre-race stretch
10 a.m. – 5K begins

Explore
We have limited spaces available for corporate teams, as well as several ways in which interested corporations can strategically partner with us that include branding opportunities, table/vendor space and product placement in runner’s packets. For more information on sponsorship opportunities please contact Rachel Tibolla at Rachel.Tibolla@playworks.org or 801.712.1169

2019 Sponsors
Finish Line Sponsor
Apparel Sponsor

Race Sponsor

Race Bag Sponsors

Expo Sponsors

Let’s Play For a Generation of Impact
2020-10-08 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
How can play help kids develop, practice social and emotional skills, and get physically active in virtual or hybrid environments or in-person experiences that are COVID-19 safe?
Find out by joining Playworks and other supporters nationwide and Let’s Play!
During this unique virtual event, you will experience how play feels right now. Teachers, coaches, and kids will share their stories of the back to school journey and how play and Playworks have eased the transition. Playworks President Elizabeth Cushing will highlight the current state of the organization and our school communities, and Playworks Founder Jill Vialet will highlight her predictions for the future of play.
For almost 25 years, Playworks has leveraged the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. While historically our services have mostly been in person, we’ve transformed the Playworks experience to ensure that we can support kids and school staff in their current environment-whatever that is- and ensure they get to benefit from playing every day. We need support to be here for generations to come.
Let’s Play together to recognize this impact on the past generation and raise critical funds to support the next. Thanks to the generous support of Swapnil Agarwal for every $1 donated, Playworks will receive an additional $2, up to $100,000. If you can’t attend but still want to make a difference please donate now.
Register Now
If you can’t attend on this day, you’re in luck! We’ll be hosting a second event on Wednesday, October 7.
Register for that event here.

Playworks Utah's Play Soiree
2022-05-13 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Denver) | Spy Hop Rooftop, 208 West 900 South, Salt Lake City, UT, 84101, United States
Join us in celebrating our 10-year anniversary in Utah!
Playworks has proudly partnered with more than 200 schools and youth development organizations to fulfill our mission, helping a generation of kids experience the joy and benefits of play. We have supported kids as they learn and develop important life skills, all while having fun and being physically active. As we look ahead, we are committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of kids to experience the joy, teamwork, and a sense of belonging in their school community that safe and healthy play encourages.
Help keep the next generation of kids playing and get in the game on May 13, 2022!
After a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are thrilled to bring back one of Utah’s most unique and fun events! In the past we’ve partied at our Play Elevated Gala, but this year looks a little different. Our Play Soiree is a smaller, more intimate version, with plenty of room to mix and mingle both indoors and out. We’re celebrating 10 amazing years in Utah, and we’re ready to party! Join us on the rooftop at Spy Hop on Friday May 13th, 2022, from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. We will continue to monitor CDC guidelines and host the event accordingly.
We’d love for you to come play! Tickets to the soiree include appetizers, drinks, entertainment, and access to our amazing opportunity drawings. You’ll also hear about how we’re helping Utah’s kids, how far we’ve come as an organization, and where we’re headed in the future. The Play Soiree helps raise critical funds to support our statewide school-based programs. Don’t miss out on the party of the year, tickets are limited!
Get your ticket!

Thank you to this year’s sponsors:
High Five Sponsor

Play Sponsor

Benjamin Rogers

In-Kind Sponsor

5 Ways to Have a Great Recess Webinar
2022-10-06
Big changes start small.
Join us as we kick-off The Game Plan, a free, four-part webinar series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations .
During the first webinar, you will learn the 5 key components of a great recess:

Safety on the Playground
Effective Systems (play space, transitions, equipment, & visuals)
Engaged & Empowered Adults & Students
Conflict Resolution
Games, games, games, games!

Leave this webinar with a better understanding of the value of play and recess, how to identify and improve your play space, games that you can deliver right away, and how to help ensure students feel safe and engaged in play.
We’ll also discuss our Recess CheckUp, an online quiz designed to help you identify strengths and uncover areas for improvement. Get a head start by taking the three-minute check-up prior to the webinar.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register now

Learn more about the full series and other upcoming webinar topics

3 Questions to Ask About Your Indoor Recess Webinar
2022-12-07
Indoor recess doesn’t have to be intimidating.
Join us as for webinar 2 of The Game Plan, a free, four-part webinar series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations .
During this next webinar, we will explore 3 questions to ask as you approach indoor recess:

Is it really recess?
Are you getting the most out of your space?
Who else can get involved?

Leave this webinar with a better understanding of the benefits students can enjoy even when recess is moved inside, the pros and cons of different play spaces, and the staffing and support needed for an effective indoor recess.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register now

Learn more about the full series and other upcoming webinar topics

Get Groups Engaged Through Play
2023-02-01
Keeping kids attention can be tough. Play-based practices can help.
Join us as for webinar 3 of The Game Plan, a free, four-part webinar series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations .
During this next webinar, we will explore:

Using play-based practices to create systems to effectively manage large groups
Implementing proactive systems to address disruptive behavior before it occurs
Infusing play into the day to ensure effective communication with students

Leave this webinar with a better understanding of the group management strategies that are both fun and effective.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register now

Learn more about the full series and other upcoming webinar topics

Playground Mapping 101
2023-10-25 12:30 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Make sure your playground is prepared for play.
Join us as for the first webinar in the return of The Game Plan, a free, four-part series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations.
During this next webinar, we will explore playground mapping.
Recess is safer (and more fun!) when games have their own dedicated locations on the playground. Learn how you can create a map for your playground that encourages safe and healthy play for all students.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register

Playing Across Age Groups
2023-12-13
There are many ways to play!
Join us as for the second webinar in the return of The Game Plan, a free, four-part series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations.
As students grow and learn new skills, their approach to play evolves too. Discover games and resources that engage students across different grade levels, ages, and abilities.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register

Resolving Conflicts Through Play
2024-02-14 12:30 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Learn fun, easy conflict resolution techniques students can utilize!
Join us as for the third webinar in the return of The Game Plan, a free, four-part series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations.
Disagreements on the playground can be an opportunity for children to develop healthy and productive conflict-resolution skills. Explore strategies you can use to encourage students to resolve disagreements independently and create a culture of cooperation.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
All webinars will last approximately one hour and will be recorded.
Register

Supporting Student Mental Health Through Play Webinar
2024-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Create a more playful environment that supports every child’s mental well-being!
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Playworks and the American Academy of Pediatrics are teaming up for a special webinar exploring the ecosystem of care for kids’ mental health and the transformative role of play.
This virtual conversation will engage medical professionals, educators, and other community leaders to shine a spotlight on the various people who form the ecosystem of care for youth and how play based practices can make a difference across all of those relationships and settings.
Attendees will:

Identify the various roles within the ecosystem of care for kids’ mental health
Learn about the benefits of universal supports and protective factors on youth mental health
Understand how play positively supports youth mental health
Take away practical tips for utilizing play in your roles

This webinar will begin at 12pm ET / 11am CT / 10am MT / 9am PT and will last approximately one hour. It will be recorded and the recording will be available following the event.
Register
Experts

Gigi Chawla, MD, MHA, pediatrician, received her medical degree and business degree from the University of MN and is the Vice President and Chief of General Pediatrics at Children’s Minnesota. In her role, she has oversight over primary care, rehabilitation services, and mental, developmental, and behavioral health, including development of an inpatient mental health pediatric unit, and partial hospitalization mental health programs. She is often called upon by the media for her pediatric expertise and is a regular contributor for the Minnesota Parent’s column and WCCO’s segment to “Ask the Pediatrician.” Her clinical areas of interest are the outpatient and inpatient care of complex special needs patients, premature infants, and ventilator dependent children. Dr. Chawla is also instrumental in advancing the organization’s forward-looking efforts around community engagement. Through internal efforts to better integrate school based care, primary care with behavioral health, social support services for families, as well as, external advocacy with government groups, she works to create an environment for child health that extends beyond the clinic. She is a Board Member and the state’s Medical Director for Reach Out and Read Minnesota. She’s been consistently named to Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine’s and Minnesota Monthly magazine’s Top Doctors annual list. In 2020, she received the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Women in Business Honoree award; and in 2023, she received the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST Honoree award for Health and Well-Being. She is a Board Member and Vice President of the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. She is a member of the National Quality Forum’s Prevention and Population Health Committee. She has two amazing daughters who are changing the world.

Elizabeth Cushing is CEO of Playworks, a national organization dedicated to ensuring access to safe and healthy play for all kids. During her tenure Elizabeth has led Playworks’ scaling strategy, growing from a San Francisco Bay Area-focus to a national organization reaching more than 700,000 children every year. She is an advocate for collaboration amongst youth development organizations and is committed to making sure every kid gets to play every day.

Jessica Driscoll is the Assistant Principal at Marcy School for the Arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prior to her role as an administrator, Jess served as a teacher at the 1st and 2nd grade levels and worked in the capacity of both Instructional Specialist and Literacy Coach. Jess strives to create a school culture that nurtures the whole child while cultivating a strong community of students, staff, and families.

Dr. Arwa K. Nasir, MBBS, MSc, MPH is Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. She is the chair of the AAP Committee on the Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. Her research focuses on the impact of family psychosocial wellbeing on child development and behavior, and the incorporation of family science and behavioral health into primary care pediatric practice and residency training. She is also engaged in global health research with a focus on the cross-cultural aspects of behavioral conditions and autism. Dr. Nasir spent the 2019/2020 academic year as a Fulbright scholar in Jordan teaching and researching cross cultural aspects of pediatric behavioral health.

Dr. Michael D. Patrick, Jr. is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He also serves as an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and an Attending Physician with the Section of Emergency Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Patrick hosts the PediaCast and PediaCast CME Podcasts.

Thriving Through Play
2024-10-23 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Denver)
Get ready for the return of The Game Plan webinar series—now featuring exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Play is an essential part of every child’s development, fostering social skills, creativity, and overall well-being. Learn practical strategies and insights to increase playtime at your school or site and ensure every child has the opportunity to benefit from recess.
We’ll also explore how play can create positive outcomes for kids and contribute to a healthy, engaged learning environment.
Each webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
Register

Building Positive Relationships with Play
2024-12-03 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
The Game Plan webinar series is back with exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Build stronger student-adult connections at recess with practical strategies for fostering positive relationships. We will explore the importance of adult buy-in and how involving adults in different roles can enhance the overall play experience.
With these strategies in place, you will be able to create a play environment where students and staff thrive together.
Each webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
Register

Adapting Play for Every Space
2025-02-19 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
The Game Plan webinar series is back with exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Learn how to make play work in any space, whether indoors, on blacktops or small playgrounds, or in unconventional areas.
This webinar will provide practical strategies to keep kids engaged, safe, and having fun to maximize your available space.
Each webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
Register

Youth-led Play Shapes Tomorrow’s Leaders
2025-04-16 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
The Game Plan webinar series is back with exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Unlock the power of youth-led play and see how it can transform your playground!
In this webinar, you’ll discover strategies to encourage children to be leaders during playtime, fostering creativity, confidence, and teamwork.
The webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will also be recorded for future viewing.
Register

Playworks Utah - Race to Reduce Bullying 2025
2025-05-03 | Wheeler Historic Farm, 6351 South 900 East, Murray, 84121, United States
Playworks Utah is hosting our Annual Race to Reduce Bullying!
Join Playworks Utah at our Race to Reduce Bullying to celebrate our Junior Coach Leaders! You can directly support our programs for elementary schools in need by racing alongside the leaders of tomorrow on Saturday, May 3. Join us for a day of positivity, fun physical activity, and recognizing our Junior Coaches in their leadership journey.

Race will begin at 9:00am!
Register

We are sending a big WHOOSH clap to our event sponsors!
Play Patron
Above the Rest Painting

Hopscotch Hero
Lee’s Market

In-Kind Sponsor
Casper’s Ice Cream

Recess Success Workshop Series
2026-09-11 - 2027-01-22
Build a stronger, more engaging recess!
Location: Indie Square, 141 5600 South #300, Murray, UT 84107

Join Playworks Utah for a three-part professional development series designed to help school staff create safe, inviting, and engaging recess environments where every student can thrive. Each workshop can be attended individually or as part of the full series, giving your team the flexibility to participate in the sessions that best meet your school’s needs.
Whether you’re a recess supervisor, paraeducator, behavior support professional, administrator, or other school staff member, you’ll leave with practical strategies you can implement immediately.
Register

Day 1: Foundations of Play – Core Strategies for a Thriving Recess
Friday, September 11, 2026
1:30–4:30 PM
Learn how to build the foundation for a successful recess by:

Implementing systems that promote a safe and healthy recess environment
Understanding how adult roles and behaviors create a culture of belonging
Learning engaging games that maximize participation and fun for all students

Day 2: Weathering the Winter – Mastering Indoor and Outdoor Play
Friday, October 23, 2026
1:30–4:30 PM
Prepare your team for colder months by learning how to:

Facilitate engaging games for both indoor and outdoor recess
Adapt activities for limited spaces and winter weather
Establish routines that help indoor recess run smoothly and successfully

Day 3: Elevating Recess – Advanced Strategies for Student Engagement
Friday, January 22, 2027
2:00–5:00 PM
Take your recess leadership to the next level by learning how to:

Reset expectations after school breaks
Reintroduce games to keep students engaged
Design tournaments and structured activities that encourage participation throughout the school year

Register
