Playground Guide - 2024 - 10

You see, Zach lived his life confined to a wheelchair.
And thanks to the inclusive, thoughtful design of that
playground, he didn't need my help at all.
Small moments matter. For me, it's the warmth I feel
when I see children experience the magic of play with
friends. It's the excitement of watching kids in wheelchairs
or other mobility devices make it to the top of a
high ramp or have a friend ride on the back. It's the smiles
I witnessed that day as previously skeptical children realized
my kid could accomplish anything.
These moments are the reason park and recreation
professionals must continue learning and finding ways to
bring outdoor play to more families.
While all public playgrounds must comply with the ADA,
compliance is simply not enough. As we think about the
future of playgrounds, the concept of inclusivity stands at
the forefront of design and community engagement.
The move toward inclusive playgrounds is driven by the
notion that every child deserves a place where they feel
welcomed, valued and included. Creating spaces where all
kids, regardless of ability, can play, learn and grow alongside
their peers is not just an ideal notion; it's a necessary
evolution in the way we think about play spaces.
Creative Topography
If, perhaps, you still are wondering how Zach got to the
top of that playground in a wheelchair, that's understandable,
as so many playgrounds have looked the same for
generations.
Many newer playgrounds, however - including the one
Zach conquered that day - are designed to be completely
ramped, allowing kids in wheelchairs and other mobility
devices to go from one end to the other and higher than
they otherwise would be able to.
Today's most creative playgrounds also involve unique
topography. As a planner and designer of accessible playgrounds,
one of the calls I most often receive is from
someone saying, " I have a great location. It's completely
flat. " And while the intention is good, the assumption is
wrong, because we could have used the height of a hill
to create a walkway for individuals with mobility impairments
to still be able to participate and get up that high.
An inclusive playground transcends traditional design
by incorporating elements - both natural and constructed
- that accommodate children of all abilities. It's a place
where barriers are removed and opportunities for play are
as unlimited as the imagination.
The essence of an inclusive playground lies in its
thoughtful design - equipment that supports various
physical and sensory needs, spaces that encourage social
interaction among all children, and surfaces that accommodate
mobility aids, as inaccessible surfaces also steal
joy from caregivers, some of whom themselves use a mobility
device.
Fundamental elements of inclusive playgrounds include
contrasting colors for the visually impaired, roller slides that
are safe for children with cochlear implants, and fenced
areas for those who require defined boundaries. Beyond
these, sensory-rich areas, shaded rest spots for kids who
have trouble regulating their temperature, water play features
and so many more possibilities ensure every child can
enjoy the playground in their own unique way.
An inclusive playground transcends traditional design by incorporating
elements - both natural and constructed - that accommodate
children of all abilities.
10 Parks & Recreation | 2 0 2 4 PL A Y GROUND GUIDE | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNLIMITED PLAY
Playground Guide - 2024

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