Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
At Gatton Park, University of Kentucky students stepped into play to better understand child development, healing and human connection. Through the Learning and Healing Through Play course, students experienced how adventurous, less predictable play spaces can support creativity, communication and inclusion for children of all abilities. 
The visit gave students a hands-on way to connect classroom learning with future careers serving children and families. It is a strong example of the kind of real-world, learner-centered education that helps prepare the next generation of professionals to make a difference across Kentucky.
Read full story here: https://news.mgcafe.uky.edu/article/do-adventurous-things-uk-students-learn-about-child-development-playing-gatton-park
Story by Bailey Vandiver.
Follow-up contact: C.E. Huffman, ce.huffman@uky.edu, 859-562-2660.
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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Reasonable accommodation of disability may be available with prior notice. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating.
At Gatton Park, University of Kentucky students stepped into play to better understand child development, healing and human connection. Through the Learning and Healing Through Play course, students experienced how adventurous, less predictable play spaces can support creativity, communication and inclusion for children of all abilities. 
The visit gave students a hands-on way to connect classroom learning with future careers serving children and families. It is a strong example of the kind of real-world, learner-centered education that helps prepare the next generation of professionals to make a difference across Kentucky.
Read full story here: https://news.mgcafe.uky.edu/article/do-adventurous-things-uk-students-learn-about-child-development-playing-gatton-park
Story by Bailey Vandiver.
Follow-up contact: C.E. Huffman, ce.huffman@uky.edu, 859-562-2660.
-----
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Reasonable accommodation of disability may be available with prior notice. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating.
