As kids, playgrounds were the places where we socialized. Some friends I stumbled upon while sliding down from the seesaw have stuck with me to this day. Playgrounds created many of our core childhood memories. It’s a shame that many children with challenges don’t get the opportunity to experience this, due to a lack of inclusive playgrounds. Every child deserves to feel normal and experience basic things like playgrounds.

While our designs for buildings and residences are leaning towards social inclusion, it’s time to apply the same principles to outdoor spaces like playgrounds. Let’s dive into what exactly inclusive playgrounds are, their key principles, and how you can incorporate them as owners or designers.

What are inclusive playgrounds?

An inclusive playground is an ambiguously created, sensory-rich environment that promotes children’s social, emotional, and physical growth. It’s an enjoyable barrier free design with the ideal amount of challenges. These facilities create play experiences that cater to a range of needs and interests, going above and beyond minimum accessibility requirements.

Basically, it’s a playground that treats everyone equally.

Recent research suggests that 23 million children in India below the age of 10 have at least one neurodevelopmental disorder, including ADHD, autism, and hearing impairments. These children often feel isolated from their peers. Playgrounds can bridge the gap between them if designed correctly, uniting all children through their common love of play!

Key Elements of Inclusive Playgrounds

Accessible Equipment:

Equipment for disability friendly playgrounds isn’t just about accessibility; it’s about usability. This means that children with or without disabilities should be able to use the equipment with minimal assistance, if not independently. Some organizations are opting for equipment like universal carousels, which allow space for assistive devices and wheelchairs. Inclusive swings and slides incorporate wheelchair accessibility, thrill, transparency, and sensory play. They ensure children have easy access to the equipment while making it playful and explorative. The equipment also includes options for solitary play, enabling children to seek alone time when necessary.

Sensory Play Areas:

Children with disabilities tend to participate far less in active play and physical activity compared to other kids. That’s where sensory play comes in handy, offering interesting visual, auditory, and tactile activities. These disability-friendly playgrounds can feature sensory panels that are enjoyable for all children, allowing them to explore music, puzzles, and social interaction.

Social Interaction Spaces:

Everyone benefits from community engagement. Therefore, an inclusive playground must contain play equipment and activities that promote social interaction, such as “two-of-each” parallel play choices for developing social skills. Adding side-by-side swings, springers, or spinning devices is an excellent method for creating parallel play options.

Safety and Signage:

Providing safety measures is extremely important when designing an inclusive playground. Using colour and texture to signal transitions in the playground will help users with sensory disabilities navigate the space. Additionally, providing spaciousness will accommodate the assisted support that some individuals need. Considering not just children but also parents with disabilities will help make the playground truly inclusive.

Case Studies

1. Park Circle Playground, South Carolina:

This playground is part of the $20 million redevelopment project called ‘Park Circle Reimagined.’ Spanning 55,000 sq. ft., it’s the world’s largest inclusive playground. Nearly 85% of the playground is covered in shade with canopies and water misters. As a barrier free design, it includes a wide range of equipment, wheelchair-accessible swings, and ramps throughout. Some areas of the ground are covered with rubber material for safety. It also features exercise stations for parents while their children play. It’s one of the most impressive playgrounds created to provide a great experience for people of all ages and abilities.

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Inclusive Playground, Singapore:

In addition to river plains and a water playground, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio features an inclusive playground with wheelchair accessibility. The playground consists of two zones: a sand play area and a soft mat area. It also features sensory play elements like musical equipment and parent-child bonding activities.

Inclusive playgrounds in Kilikili, India:

Founded by Kavitha Krishnamoorthy, a Chennai-based organisation called Kilikili creates inclusive play spaces for children across India. The organisation has built nearly 10 playgrounds in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Mangalore, and Madurai. These playgrounds include inclusive swings and slides, wheelchair-accessible equipment, musical chimes, and textured surfaces for sensory stimulation. The organization collaborates with local communities, parent groups, NGOs, and resident associations to maintain these spaces.

Benefits of Inclusive Playgrounds

1. Most children experience exclusion in playgrounds due to inaccessibility. Inclusive playgrounds consider various disabilities and sensory needs, ensuring that every person feels welcome.
2. Research shows that when children with disabilities interact alongside typically developing children, they develop their skills and capabilities, which helps build confidence.
3. Like any other child, children with disabilities adore the excitement and delight of playing with others.
4. Playing not only helps children’s physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development, but it also aids in creative development.

Conclusion

Inclusive playgrounds are more than just accessible spaces; they’re catalysts for social change and equality. By designing playgrounds that cater to all children, regardless of their abilities, we create opportunities for shared experiences, empathy, and understanding.

However, there’s still a need for education about social inclusion in playground design, as some people have misconceptions or limited understanding of its importance. As we move forward, it’s crucial to raise awareness, share best practices, and advocate for more inclusive outdoor spaces in our communities. By doing so, we ensure that every child has the chance to experience the joy, growth, and social connections that playgrounds offer, creating a more inclusive and compassionate society for future generations.

Sources

• https://www.kompan.com/en/int/planning/how-to-design-inclusive-playgrounds
• https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/playground-in-sembawang-caters-to-children-with-special-needs
• https://www.miracle-recreation.com/blog/making-playgrounds-accessible-inclusive-for-all/?lang=can
• https://www.bluebadgeinsurance.com.au/blog/inclusive-playground-options-australia/
• https://www.worldrecordacademy.org/2024/4/worlds-largest-inclusive-playground-world-record-in-north-charleston-south-carolina-424225
• https://publications.kompan.com/com/play-for-all/?page=20