🌿 Welcome to The School of Play

At The School of Play, we believe that joy, belonging, and connection should be at the heart of every environment. Whether through the freedom of outdoor exploration or the comfort of sensory-friendly spaces, we help communities reimagine how children and adults of all abilities engage with the world around them.

We offer consulting services and curated resources to support educators, designers, distributors, manufacturers and organizations in creating inclusive, nature-rich environments and programs.

We are also in the early stages of bringing our long-term vision to life: a one-of-a-kind destination that blends inclusive play, nature-based learning, therapeutic programs, and community events.

ABOUT our founder:

Tracey Lydon is the founder of The School of Play, where she brings together her background as a teacher, landscape designer, and community advocate to help schools, organizations, and municipalities create inclusive, nature-rich spaces for play and learning.

Tracey began her career as an educator, working as an elementary school science teacher, tutor and for the Native American Studies program in Fremont. With degrees in Environmental Studies (UC Santa Barbara) and Landscape Architecture (UC Berkeley Extension), she went on to design parks, streetscapes, wetland restorations and play spaces at the City of San Francisco and Callander Associates.

Later, as VP of Operations and a partner at Miracle Playsystems, Tracey helped design and deliver thousands of inclusive play environments across the western United States. Today, she leads The School of Play to bring that same sense of belonging, joy, and connection to communities everywhere— starting with one project at a time.

✨ our current Offerings:

• Design consulting for inclusive playgrounds, sensory gardens, and outdoor classrooms

• Professional guidance for educators and program directors looking to integrate nature and play into their curriculum

• Grant application assistance to help you identify funding opportunities and strengthen proposals for inclusive and nature-based projects

✨ coming soon:

• Toolkits & resources to support design, planning, and funding efforts

• Workshops & retreats for communities and organizations inspired to rethink inclusion, play and immerse in nature

Whether you’re dreaming up a sensory-friendly corner in your classroom or planning a full-scale nature play area, we’re here to guide and support your journey.

📩 Ready to collaborate?
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