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Building Community Through PlayTM: More Than a Tagline
At Northwest Playground, “Building Community Through PlayTM” isn’t just something we say, it’s what guides everything we do.
For 30 years, our work has been centered on designing and creating spaces where people connect, children play, and communities come together. Those words reflect the impact we strive to make every day, and why we made the decision to formally trademark the phrase as our own.
Why “Community Through Play” Matters
Play is often viewed as something simple, a moment of recreation, a break in the day, or a place for kids to burn energy. But in our experience, it’s much more than that.
Play is:
- A catalyst for connection
- A foundation for belonging
- A tool for lifelong development
When thoughtfully designed, play spaces become gathering places. They bring together families, neighbors, and generations. They foster friendships, strengthen relationships, and create shared experiences that shape how people feel about where they live. And when they are designed with intention and for access for all abilities, they become cornerstones for people to gather within communities.
As Chris McGarvey, President of Northwest Playground, explains, “At Northwest Playground, we’ve always believed our work is about more than building playgrounds—it’s about creating places where people come together. ‘Building Community Through PlayTM’ captures that responsibility. It reflects our commitment to inclusive, accessible spaces that truly reflect the communities and cultures they serve.”
Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how parks and playgrounds become the heart of a community, spaces where people don’t just visit, but return to again and again because of how they make them feel.
From Projects to Places That Matter
From neighborhood playgrounds to large regional parks, every project we take on is rooted in one core idea: creating spaces that reflect and serve the people who use them.
Our work spans schools, community parks, and inclusive play environments each designed with local needs, culture, and accessibility in mind.
That’s why we don’t think of our work as simply building playgrounds. We’re helping create places where:
- Children build confidence and independence
- Families spend meaningful time together
- Communities gather, celebrate, and connect
Because when a space is done right, it becomes something far bigger than the equipment within it.
Why We Trademarked the Phrase
As our organization has grown, so has the meaning behind “Building Community Through PlayTM.”
It represents:
- Our history of partnership and collaboration with communities
- Our commitment to inclusive, accessible design
- Our belief that outdoor spaces should serve people of all ages and abilities
Trademarking the phrase was an intentional step to protect and reinforce that identity as uniquely Northwest Playground Equipment.
It ensures that the words remain closely tied to the values, standards, and experience we bring to every project. It’s a way of saying: this isn’t just messaging, it’s a promise.
A promise to continue creating spaces that are thoughtful, inclusive, and rooted in community.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, our focus hasn’t changed, in fact its stronger than ever.
We’re still driven by the same goal: designing and delivering spaces where people connect, play, and belong.
Because at the end of the day, playgrounds aren’t just about play. They’re about people.
And when people come together across generations, abilities, and backgrounds that’s when communities truly thrive.