What We Do
Conduct Research
Pre-Purchase Review
Partner at the local, state, national and global level
Offer Certification & Training
Provide Topical Expertise & Consulting Services
How We Do It
Lead Industry Collaboration
- Participate in state, national, and international working groups to advance knowledge and understanding for quality play areas for children.
Share Research-Based Insights
- Conduct Pre-Purchase Inspection Reviews to reduce costs, minimize maintenance issues, and help prevent injuries.
Train & Educate
- Offer engaging workshops, training, and educational programs tailored to each audience with practical, actionable guidance.
Provide Expert Consulting
- Support agencies with site assessments, inspections, management decisions, supervision, and planning for safer play spaces.
Develop Practical Resources
- Create plain-language materials, workshops, guest presentations, and train-the-trainer programs grounded in research and best practices.
Leverage a Trusted Network
- Draw on decades of experience and a broad professional network to help agencies make informed decisions and create SAFE, high-quality play areas.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to continue the 30-year effort that supports communities and organizations in making informed, child-center decisions that ensure SAFE play areas and playgrounds for all children.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dr. Heather Olsen
Dr. Heather Olsen is a nationally recognized educator, researcher, and advocate dedicated to improving the quality and safety of children’s play environments. As Executive Director of the National Program for Play Area Safety (NPPAS) and a Professor in the Department of Learning, Leadership, and Community at the University of Northern Iowa, she bridges cutting-edge research with practical solutions that benefit children, communities, and organizations around the world.
Continuing the Mission
Dr. Olsen works across governmental agencies, nonprofits, parks, military installations, child care and school programs, and industry sectors to apply research and local microclimate knowledge toward creating safer, healthier, sustainable, all‑season play environments for children.
Areas of Expertise
- Playground safety research and child-centered decisions
- Safe play space design and management
- Playground supervision and injury prevention
- Training, certification, and curriculum development
- Public policy and standards development
- Climate and thermal comfort in children’s play environments
Professional Highlights
- 28+ years advancing playground safety through research, education, and advocacy
- 20+ peer-reviewed journal articles
- 200+ presentations at state, national, and international conferences
- Author of two books, two book chapters, and more than 45 professional publications
- Co-developed 12 nationally recognized playground safety models used to guide best practices in the field
- Developed multiple certification programs, educational manuals, and train-the-trainer curricula adopted by agencies across North America
Research & Leadership
Dr. Olsen has led and collaborated on landmark research projects for organizations including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Public Health Canada, the Standards Council of Canada, and the U.S. Department of War. Her work has influenced playground safety standards, inspection practices, thermal comfort guidance, and educational programs. She also serves as an active leader within ASTM International, helping shape standards for play equipment designed for infants and toddlers.
Making Research Practical
A hallmark of Dr. Olsen’s work is translating complex research into practical, easy-to-use resources. She has co-authored certification courses, inspection manuals, safety checklists, supervision guides, and educational programs that help professionals create safer, more child-centered inclusive play areas.