An all inclusive playground is one that brings children of all abilities to one space and allows them to play together. Inclusive playgrounds should include some of the following:
- Adaptive or wheelchair swings
- Sensory activities
- Accessible safety surfacing
- Ground-level activities
- Accessible play structures with ramps
Improving inclusivity on the playground
There are many ways to improve the accessibility of playgrounds, from wheelchair ramps to ground-level panels to transfer stations. Accessibility is a key factor when designing a playground. It allows kids of all ability levels to enjoy playing with their peers, and to not feel left out because of something that’s outside their control. That said, accessibility and inclusivity aren’t synonymous.
Beyond ensuring accessibility, an inclusive playground is one where every child can develop physically, emotionally, and socially. An inclusive playground facilitates varying levels of challenges that are integrated directly into the playground, rather than set aside in a designated space away from the rest of the playground equipment.
The difference between inclusive and ADA compliant playgrounds
It’s true that the Americans with Disabilities Act requires all playgrounds to follow basic accessibility guidelines. These stipulations make for a good starting point when constructing a truly inclusive playground; however, they alone won’t make a playground inclusive. For instance, without sufficient ground-level amenities like activity panels, kids with motor skill-related impediments will struggle to find something to do. Designing a playground without bearing in mind kids who have physical or intellectual disabilities will unnecessarily exclude them from enjoying all the amenities and features of your playground.
Keeping your playground inclusive isn’t just a matter of courtesy; when you make a playground better able to be used by all, you invite a user base that otherwise wouldn’t have considered playing there. It’s a solid investment for all parties involved, and one that playground owners would be wise to make.
Check out some of these resources for more information about inclusive playgrounds:
Playground Accessibility Guide
Playground Safety for Special Needs Children
Making Playgrounds Accessible and Inclusive
Find more about the author: Kim Hart