Jeff Lindstrom
Meade Mitchell
Thursday, March 10, 3:00 pm.
Salon C
Research and anecdotal evidence continue to demonstrate the tremendous value of play — far beyond the obvious physical fitness benefits — and its ability to impact communities in powerful ways. While children’s play is most often associated with playgrounds and similar recreational areas, trails and greenways can provide educational experiences and immersive play opportunities for children as well.
Armed with research showcasing the myriad benefits of play, landscape architects are in a unique position to advocate for the importance and value of multigenerational play environments emphasizing full engagement — and trails can help provide more of these types of environments.
This program will examine the tremendous value of inclusive play — how play and learning can take place simultaneously while supporting growth and development benefiting physical, social and mental wellness, development of motor skills, etc. — and its application in the context of trails and greenways.

Landscape Architect,
TBG Partners
Jeff Lindstrom is a designer and project manager in the Houston office of TBG Partners, a landscape architecture and planning firm. Jeff has diverse experience that has focused largely on play and research-based educational spaces; he has a keen interest in whole child development and designing spaces that elicit full user engagement. Jeff is also passionate about community improvement and redevelopment efforts and works with non-profit entities on such endeavors. He continues to refine his knowledge of designing for play and education and maintains involvement with the World Forum Foundation, Children & Nature Network, Last Organic Outpost and Big Brother Big Sisters of America

Landscape Architect,
TBG Partners
A principal and landscape architect in the Houston office of TBG Partners, Meade Mitchell has 20 years’ experience working on a wide range of planning and design projects throughout the design and construction processes. He has diverse project experience and a unique perspective on the evolution of play environments, including their increasing importance in contemporary development projects. Meade was instrumental to the successful realization of several recent and highly popular children’s play areas, including Big Adventure Park in Missouri City’s Riverstone community, Exploration Park in Katy’s Cinco Ranch community, and a similarly immersive park in Houston’s The Groves community.