Inspiring Playgrounds Where Nature Meets Inclusion with G Cody QJ Goldberg
May 09, 2023From a father's determination to make a difference, Harper's Playground was born - a nonprofit that has revolutionized the world of inclusive playgrounds.
Inclusion is important because every one of us has a gift to offer the community, and when we allow people to be marginalized and not included, we are missing out on the gift they could otherwise offer us as a community.
G Cody QJ Goldberg is a passionate advocate for inclusive play spaces, with over 13 years of experience in designing and creating playgrounds that cater to every child's needs. As the co-founder of Harper's Playground, a nonprofit organization, Cody has been instrumental in bringing about change in the way playgrounds are designed and built. Having a child with a disability himself, Cody understands the importance of play in children's well-being and development, and he is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to play in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Get ready to be inspired by Cody's personal journey and his commitment to making the world a better place, one playground at a time.
When Cody’s daughter Harper, who has a disability, struggled to navigate through wood chips at a local park, Cody and his wife knew they had to do something about it. Starting a nonprofit called Harper's Playground, they embarked on a 13-year journey to create playgrounds that are not only accessible to all, but also immersed in nature's beauty. Their innovative design theory has now made a significant impact on children's well-being and development. Providing an unstructured, natural environment that caters to every ability level, these playgrounds encourage play and help children face fears, overcome challenges, and discover themselves. With projects all around the world, their dedication to inclusive play is inspiring and touching the lives of countless children and their families.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Learn about the significance of inclusive playgrounds for fostering children's growth and happiness.
- Gain insights into the personal connections that inspire a focus on accessibility and inclusive design.
- Investigate how incorporating adaptation and natural elements can enhance playground experiences for all.
- Recognize the power of community participation in advancing and sustaining inclusive causes.
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About G Cody QJ Goldberg
G Cody QJ Goldberg is a dreamer. He is the child of bona fide San Francisco hippies and was actually babysat by Janis Joplin once. He received his BFA in Film/Television studies from Tisch School of The Arts at New York University. At the age of 30 he “dropped out” to play percussion in a wandering tribal band of gypsies called “La Tribu Cosmica” for one magical year in Mexico.
He accidentally fell into a 14 year career in brand marketing for adidas and Red Bull Energy Drink before working up the nerve to pursue a life of meaning. Cody speaks of his jump from a corporate career to running the non-profit he launched with his wife, April, in 2010. Together, they led a movement that designed, funded and built the first totally inclusive playground in Portland, OR. Their passion project, Harper’s Playground, was featured on NBC’s the TODAY Show and the couple had a day named for them by the mayor of Portland for their efforts.
Goldberg reflects on lessons learned while raising $1.2 million in just two years without an ounce of previous fundraising experience; sharing about collaboration, design and politics. He weaves lessons learned in his childhood with dreams of creating a better childhood for his children. He often explains the GQ&J in his name, too. Cody, his wife April, and their two daughters, Harper & Lennon, make their home in Vancouver, WA.
Cody's Website & Links
- Website: https://www.harpersplayground.org/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/g-cody-qj-goldberg-a879343/
About Kendall Hagensen
Kendall is a Somatic Mental Health Therapist, Multidisciplinary Clinic Owner and Business Coach. She specializes in, and is passionate about, working with healthcare professionals to create the businesses of their dreams. Big goals always have a psychological component beneath the surface, so Kendall uses her background in Somatic Psychotherapy and EMDR Therapy mixed with Business Coaching tools to help clients develop a healthy relationship with their business and their strength as a leader.
As someone who lives with a chronic illness herself, Kendall feels that health happens best within community, which is why she takes a holistic, integrative, and collaborative wellness approach to her personal and professional life.
Kendall’s Web/Social Links