6 Steps to Start an Inclusive Park
Author: Austin Stanfel
We remember the afternoons spent swinging high in the sky on the ground whenever we remember our childhood. Those were the times when we were free of life’s burdens and loved to slide freely to catch up with friends.
Playgrounds seem to revolve around our childhood. Kids are meant to play because these plays make them strong and healthy. It’s heartbreaking to know when a kid doesn’t have a playground.
We don’t want to see a kid without joyful memories on the playground. We have brought an ultimate guide on how to start an inclusive park to help the park owners and communities meet children’s requirements.
What Is An Inclusive Park?
Before making an inclusive park, it’s obligatory to understand the difference between inclusive and accessible parks.
Inclusive parks work on the principle of “all play together” regardless of age, ability, or background. An inclusive park is made according to the ADA requirements.
An ideal inclusive park welcomes all visitors and gives access to all the material impartially.
6 Steps To Start An Inclusive Park
1. Planning and preparation
Start your project by collecting various viewpoints from experts. You can include parents who are bringing up disabled kids.
Of course, include your community to infer the needs of people. Then, start selecting a site that’ll be suitable for the park. Find a place with good drainage and closer to a residential area.
2. Select Layout
Now start creating a layout including all the equipment you’ll place in the park. Do not forget to add orientation paths as these paths deem people to go over for the whole place and provide easy access to the main area.
Include different sections such as restrooms, picnic areas, and play areas. During making the layout, select the material that’ll satisfy the inclusion standards.
3. Offer Plays For All
An inclusive space lets in all the children, whether standard or disabled. Incorporate a variety of plays such as physical, sensory, and cognitive plays.
These plays play a significant role in the growth and development of children.
4. Access For All
When it comes to accessibility, the inclusive park should be accessible to all. Accessibility is about movement, travel, and approach. Accessible parking guarantees additional visits to the park.
5. Choose Equipment
The right equipment can make your park look more splendid. While the wrong equipment will make it look more unpleasant and dull. You have to be cautious when it comes to choosing the right equipment. Ensure your equipment meets inclusive standards and goes well with the overall theme.
6. Build Inclusive Seating
There is no point in an inclusive park if the seating is not inclusive enough. Make sure tables, chairs, benches, and bins should be accessible to everyone.
Final Thoughts
All kids deserve a place to nourish their skills and abilities. However, few designers consider this point. No parks sometimes lead a kid toward alienation. Of course, no one wants to leave the children out from fun and exciting stuff. This article aims at parents and designers to consider inclusive parks.