Steven G. King Play Environments Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Landscape Architecture Foundation

Overview

The Steven G. King Play Environments Scholarship honors the legacy of Steven G. King, FASLA — founder and Chairman of Landscape Structures Inc. and originator of the “continuous play” idea. Mr. King first developed continuous play as his landscape-architecture final project in 1967; that innovation transformed the playground industry and spurred the emergence of modular composite play systems designed to promote connected, ongoing play. The continuous-play concept remains a guiding approach in nearly every community playground installed today.

Purpose and Desired Qualities

This scholarship recognizes a student who shows strong promise in play-environment design. Ideal candidates demonstrate an appreciation for incorporating playgrounds into parks, schools, and other play settings and understand the important social and educational roles of play. Creativity, a willingness to explore new ideas, and a clear interest in park and playground planning are key selection criteria.

Eligibility

- Must be a student of landscape architecture with demonstrated interest and aptitude in designing play environments.
- Applicants may be master’s students or undergraduates in their final two years of study.
- Enrollment must be in a program accredited by LAAB or LAAC at a university located in the United States or Canada.

How to Apply

Refer to the General Application Guidelines for instructions on using the online application portal. All materials must follow the stated guidelines and be submitted by the deadlines to be considered. Additional materials beyond those requested will not be reviewed.

Required Application Materials

All LAF scholarships and fellowships require the following items:

1. General Submission Form
- Complete the online form with your contact information and details about your degree program.

2. Photo
- Submit a color headshot in JPG format (minimum 1800 x 1200 pixels).
- Image must be horizontal, well lit, with a simple background, showing the full head and shoulders.
- LAF reserves the right to use submitted photos on its website and in scholarship-related promotional materials.

3. Bio for the LAF Website (150 words maximum)
- Upload as PDF, Microsoft Word, or TXT.
- In 150 words or fewer describe your background, current studies, future goals, and any relevant interests or activities.

4. Resume or CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Upload as a PDF. Include education, professional experience, extracurricular involvement, honors, and awards.
- Add Applicant Name/Resume/Scholarship Name and page number on each page.

Additional materials specific to this scholarship:

5. Two Letters of Recommendation
- Provide email addresses for two recommenders; the system will send them instructions.
- Letters should come from current professors who can speak to your interest in park and playground planning, creativity, and openness to innovation.

6. Essay (2 pages maximum)
- Upload as a PDF. In 300–500 words, explain your perspective on the social and educational importance of play and the value of integrating playgrounds into recreational and play settings.
- Formatting: no more than two pages, margins of at least 1", 10-point or larger font, and no images or graphics.
- Include Applicant Name/Essay/Scholarship Name and page number on each page.

7. Work Samples (single PDF, maximum 3 pages)
- Provide a plan and details for a play environment you designed, with explanatory text describing the project. If the work was completed as part of a team, indicate that and explain your specific role.
- Include Applicant Name/Work Samples/Scholarship Name and page number on each page.

All materials must be uploaded through the online system and comply exactly with the stated formats, page limits, and labeling requirements to be considered.