Steven G. King Play Environments Scholarship

The Steven G. King Play Environments Scholarship was created by Steven G. King, FASLA, founder and Chairman of Landscape Structures Inc., and the inventor of the “continuous play” concept. Mr. King developed the continuous play concept as part of his final project in landscape architecture in 1967, and it revolutionized the playground industry. This concept launched a new industry that included the development of modular composite play structures to encourage connected or continuous play opportunities. This concept is still utilized in nearly every community playground installed today.

The purpose of the scholarship is to recognize a student who has high potential in the design of play environments. This student must show an interest in the value of integrating playgrounds into parks, schools and other play environments and understand the significant social and educational value of play. Key qualities in the student receiving the scholarship are creativity, openness to innovation, and a demonstrated interest in park and playground planning.

Eligible applicants are landscape architecture students with a demonstrated interest and aptitude in the design of play environments. They must be master's students or undergraduates in their final two years of study and enrolled in an LAAB- or LAAC-accredited program at a university in the U.S. or Canada.

To Apply

See the General Application Guidelines for information on using our online application system. All submissions must adhere to guidelines and deadlines in order to be considered. Additional materials will not be reviewed.

Application Contents

All LAF scholarships and fellowships require applicants to submit the following materials:

• General Submission Form

Complete this online form with basic contact information and details about your degree program.

• Photo

Provide a color headshot in jpg format that is at least 1800x1200 pixels. It should be horizontally-oriented, well-lit with a simple background, and include your entire head and shoulders. LAF retains the right to use any submitted photo on our website and in other materials promoting LAF’s scholarship programs.

• Bio for the LAF Website (150 word max)

Provide a short bio in PDF, Microsoft Word, or TXT format. In 150 words or less, describe your background, current educational pursuits, future plans, and any other personal interests or activities.

• Resume (2 page max)

Upload your resume or CV in PDF format. It should include your education, professional experience, extra-curricular activities, and honors and awards. Please include Applicant Name/Resume/Scholarship Name and page number on each page.

In addition, this scholarship requires the following:

• 2 Letters of Recommendation

Provide the e-mail address for each recommender and instructions will be sent to them. Letters should be from current professors familiar with the applicant’s demonstrated interest in park and playground planning, creativity, and openness to innovation.

• Essay (2 page max)

Upload your original essay in PDF format. In 300-500 words, describe your views on the significant social and educational value of play and the value of integrating playgrounds into play and recreation environments. The essay should be no more than two pages with margins of at least 1”, 10-point or larger font, and no images or graphics. Please include Applicant Name/Essay/Scholarship Name and page number on each page.

• Work Samples (3 page max)

Upload one PDF document that includes a plan and details of a play environment of your design. It should include explanatory text describing the project. If it was a group project, state this and describe your role. Please include Applicant Name/Work Samples/Scholarship Name and page number on each page.