An inclusive playground is essential for all abilities’ overall physical, emotional, social, and intellectual skills. An inclusive playground promotes socialization that allows all children of all abilities to play together, helping them to grow together and show empathy and friendship.
Community Value for Inclusive Playground
An inclusive playground creates a good community that shows a deep understanding of the needs of families of all abilities. It encourages all children to play side by side, appreciate differences, and learn from one another.
An inclusive environment gives a welcoming feeling that makes them recognize and appreciate the differences early on and shows the community’s commitment to equality and accessibility.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Essential Elements of Inclusive Playground Equipment
Safety and Accessibility Standard
Where to Buy Inclusive Playground Equipment
Conclusion
Inclusive Playground Elements
Swings
-bucket swings, high-back swings, and wheelchair-accessible swings.
Slides
-wide, low-friction slides with transfer platforms for children with mobility aids.
Climbing Structures
-ramps, steps, and low-climbing walls that will be accessible for various motor skill levels.
Merry-Go-Rounds
-wheelchair-accessible for group play.
Sensory Panels
-Interactive boards, panels, and musical instruments for cognitive and sensory engagement
Relax Areas
-Resting area designed for children, parents, and caregivers, including those who use mobility aids.
Safety and Accessibility Guidelines
Equipment must be ADA(Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant so that children can explore the inclusive play area safely, accessibly, and socially fun. ADA-compliant play equipment ensures that play areas are accessible for children of all abilities and gives equal opportunities for physical activities, creative play, and social interaction that provides a welcome vibe for every child and family to explore, connect, and grow.
The physical inclusive playground must comply with the ASTM(American Society for Testing and Materials) standard, from the surfacing to the proper equipment spacing. ASTM focuses on a safe design that reduces risks and an accessible environment supporting all abilities so children can play confidently and safely.
Where to Buy Inclusive Playground Equipment
Some manufacturers and companies specialize and focus on accessibility, safety, and inclusive play environments you can trust and consider;
Website:https://www.playlsi.com/
Landscape structures create inclusive playgrounds focused on age- and developmentally-appropriate activities, sensory-stimulating, and designed with no barrier.
Inclusive Freestanding Equipment List
12’ Double-Wide Rampw/Barriers
12’ Double-Wide Ramp w/Guardrails and Curbs
Accessible Power Lifter Chinning Bar
Website: https://www.miracle-recreation.com/
Miracle Recreation offers a variety of inclusive playground equipment focused on providing inclusive spaces that are exciting and challenging to kids of all ages and abilities.
Bongo Stumps with Hand Support
Website: https://www.gametime.com/
Gametime pioneered the development of inclusive playgrounds and innovative, inclusive products accessible to everyone.
Sensory Wave Climber Ground Level Transfer
Playworlds works with child development specialists to design inclusive playground equipment for children with different ability levels.
FreeStanding Gateway w/Slide-a-Side
Website: https://www.bciburke.com/
Burke develops inclusive spaces that ensure comfort for all people regardless of their abilities, with a universal design to make everyone feel that they belong and are appreciated.
INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND DESIGNED
Here are some inclusive playground designs;
Landscape Structures
Pioneer Park
https://youtu.be/_Pwbf4MVxZM?si=f559Y4y3teIVtZwi
Waukee Epic Inclusive Playground
https://youtu.be/tbGuky06i3g?si=ZVpI1mTI_ZicIAzq
Family Playground
https://youtu.be/4db14TDhIVw?si=lohZY-BMbGvFoEkk
Clement Park
https://youtu.be/85u4RKwY1Hw?si=b4rtyzJC8mAg7sfd
Miracle League of LaGrange
https://youtu.be/PQmqZcczjyk?si=c4XWvnqsT1WeOocw
Miracle Recreation
Woodhaven Park(Eagan, Minnesota)
https://youtu.be/xXmzxz9LAOw?si=kDvibnTkNcUEKszR
Town Creek Park Playground(Auburn, Alabama)
https://youtu.be/Al3gJ53tf3o?si=-xJAV2oHcRYuLQMN
McBride Elementary School(Springfield, Missouri)
https://youtu.be/VeiGGEeciDU?si=vHGzAeFqKuQ46cmH
Funtopia Playground(Elizabethtown, Kentucky)
https://youtu.be/PnAZxo3682w?si=2FFIy_FeDX8sZG_f
Gallatin Miracle Park(Gallatin, Tenessee)
https://youtu.be/nXadiUeM0XI?si=qdk0gRmbXkVfcf55
GameTime
Veteran’s Park(Bay City, Michigan)
https://youtu.be/2SnceIzESfM?si=BVsh1YUnAhnAEIlz
Menlo Park(California)
https://youtu.be/3VjybizmEwU?si=KoLArdA2VjkIskWr
Three Rivers Elementary School
https://youtu.be/rJeCg-SNkKM?si=GNKDzSc0FgXQMQag
Eighth Street Park(Douglas,AZ)
https://youtu.be/MOsp6jWDE3U?si=5VneqB6lhkof6CUm
Hoover Explore Playground(Hoover,Alabama)
https://youtu.be/sthFO-G3Tyk?si=mbZvYe-V6Xmr7o0L
Playworld
Senator Jean Preston Memorial Park(Emerald Isle, NC)
https://youtu.be/RcsQ4xnbYDo?si=2mmTOTEuhstomOh6
Yellowjacket Park(Rockwall,Texas)
https://youtu.be/i-V3u6Kjax0?si=MkRhbqH-5mHwQfyO
West Park
https://youtu.be/KbN0zpTqo9c?si=Jwk2_H8QvnEafEit
Julia’s Junction Playground(British Columbia, CA)
https://youtu.be/fduIWbIr4Uk?si=JRIy7lkUgldb85qj
Sophie & Madigan’s Playground
https://youtu.be/p3IAZVVh0rI?si=qazewABmAh0bHPsE
Burke Playgrounds
Dogwood Park(North Canton, Ohio)
https://youtu.be/eEGnVXzXGiw?si=dmAhXrkTL09jHjcU
Badger Park(Peshtigo Wisconsin)
https://youtu.be/SX3zManvSmY?si=e7dXDzwjKgoSjc25
Camera Park(Glendale Heights, Illinois)
https://youtu.be/h9uj3eG27dg?si=V5tOpDl5U8ThQ0NF
Kids Kingdom(Picayune,Mississippi)
https://youtu.be/wmplJxLCG64?si=I2qyvXyGsIQK7h0T
Thompson County Park(West Paul, Minnesota)
https://youtu.be/-rmQgDzu-uI?si=n7XoA35QIMP7mN7Y
D. CONCLUSION
A playground is truly a wonderland for all children, but making it inclusive for all makes it more special. AN inclusive playground within a community, school, and church shows great love and respect for everybody, making no barriers.
A happy child makes a good family. A happy family makes a good community. And a good community makes every place a wonderful nation. And that good foundation was first built and established by simply making the play area inclusive for all, fair, equal, and belonged.