Playgrounds are community hubs for children and their parents. They bring together people of diverse ages and experiences, facilitating communal engagement and interaction. Inclusive playgrounds go a step further in generating appeal and contributing to a positive, nurturing community.
What Are Inclusive Playgrounds?
Inclusive playgrounds are designed and constructed to accommodate children of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds. They typically feature sensory-rich activities, such as musical instruments, water areas, and interactive wall panels. Inclusive playgrounds have different play zones for specific needs, ensuring that all children are engaged and challenged in their own way. This allows for cooperative play so that no child feels left out or behind by not being able to participate and play at the same playground.
Playground equipment must also be easily accessible, which means that ramps for wheelchairs and smooth, barrier-free surfaces are installed. Rubberized turf or poured-in-place rubber can be great options because they make it easy for children using wheelchairs and other mobility devices to move around. Equipment such as bucket swings can be installed alongside traditional swings so everyone can take a turn, regardless of their physical abilities. Communication boards with pictures and symbols can be helpful for children with speech delays or non-verbal children trying to express themselves.
Overall, inclusive playgrounds go beyond just adding a ramp or installing one piece of adaptive equipment. They are thoughtfully designed to ensure that all children feel welcome, and consequently, all parents and caregivers also feel like their children belong and can play freely with their peers.
Tips for Designing Inclusive Playgrounds to Elevate Public Spaces
Inclusive playgrounds can be just as beautiful, if not more beautiful, than a traditional playground. Here are a few design elements to consider to elevate public community spaces.
Create a Themed Playground
Playgrounds with a theme can enhance imaginative play, promote creativity, and encourage cognitive and social development. Not to mention, thematic playgrounds can be appeasing to the eye. They are typically more engaging and memorable, and can entice children of all abilities to play. Themed playgrounds can really be as creative as your imagination — pirate ships, safari parks, dinosaur grounds, farmyards, and magic kingdoms are all possible!
In terms of selecting an appropriate theme for an inclusive playground, be mindful that it should accommodate the needs of all children. A tall castle with a climbing ladder for a fantasy theme will only work for those who are physically able to ascend to these heights. Adding in a sandbox element and other thematic interactive panels, however, ensures that every child will have something to play with. Choosing a theme with a broad appeal can increase engagement over the years. While a niche cartoon character may be popular today, it may not have the same attraction several years from now!
Incorporate Social and Quiet Areas
Socialization organically happens on playgrounds. Children meet their peers, come up with imaginary games, and interact with one another as they move from one play zone to the next. That said, the design should naturally facilitate this type of play. More active elements like swings and merry-go-rounds should be in proximity to one another. While low, ground-level play zones, such as sandboxes and interactive soundboards, should also be placed together.
Although playgrounds are designed to help socialize children, there will be times when a quieter, more secluded area is necessary. Children who get easily overstimulated may need to take a break by retreating to a cozy nook or tunnel to escape from the noise. Park benches in a shady spot can also be good for children who need a chance to regroup. These benches can also be utilized by parents and caregivers supervising their children. Group seating can encourage interaction and community, inviting everyone to meet and mingle.
Foster a Welcoming Atmosphere
Unfortunately, there can be a stigma associated with children with varying physical and cognitive needs. While huge strides have been made in this space, some parents may still feel like others are judging them because of their child’s limitations. To counteract these feelings, inclusive playgrounds should help foster a welcoming atmosphere.
All playgrounds, but especially inclusive playgrounds, should be maintained regularly. Any potential hazards should be fixed immediately or replaced to keep the playground safe and inviting to all. In terms of safety, appropriate measures should be taken so parents and caregivers feel like their children can play freely without worrying about them getting injured. A gated fence can keep children contained within the space, while lights can help avoid any dark areas as the sun begins to set.
Involving the community can also help foster a welcoming environment. A neighborhood garden club can be in charge of planting flowers in the springtime and raking leaves during the fall. Communal programming, such as festivals, can be hosted at the playground, further enticing everyone in the area to join in on the fun.
Tips and Takeaways
Building an inclusive playground can be advantageous to the entire community. By ensuring that all children, regardless of their physical abilities, have a place to play, inclusive playgrounds can be an attractive addition to the neighborhood. Keep these design tips in mind and know that your efforts will enhance the quality of life for all residents.
