Complete Guide to Design Inclusive Playground for all Age Groups

Author: Austin Stanfel

Playgrounds are open spaces to have fun for people of all age groups. A specially designed playground based on the needs of all kinds of people is inclusive. Inclusive playgrounds are the need of every society because many people in every community can’t walk properly.

It is best to make an inclusive playground to involve disabled and older people in activities to maintain their health standards. Moreover, inclusive playgrounds encourage children, adults, and older people to interact with each other and gain the benefits of play.

Why Does Your Community Need an Inclusive Playground?

Disabled kids often had trouble moving in playgrounds. They cannot move their wheelchairs in ordinary community playgrounds. Not just disabled but older people also face the same problems that can’t walk on steep grounds. Different movement barriers can make it difficult for such people.

That is why we need to transform our standard playgrounds into inclusive playgrounds. A little fun is suitable for every person’s mental peace and overall health regardless of age. Inclusive playgrounds are a need for every community because they have to offer a lot to every age person, either a toddler or an oldie.

What Elements Must a Perfect Inclusive Playground Have?

Here are a few guidelines for you to consider while designing an inclusive playground:

1. Accessible to Everyone

Inclusive playgrounds are made mainly on accessibility products, facilities, and services to make them accessible for every person with any disability. The ground surface is smooth to more wheelchairs and crutches at complete ease; even an older person can walk easily without any assistance. Incredible, isn’t it?

2. Universal

Inclusive playgrounds should be designed by using universal playground equipment. Using such versatile equipment is to make it easy for everyone to use without making any new adaptations. Universal playground equipment is used to the greatest extent possible.

3. Compliant

Compliant designs are a primary component of inclusive playgrounds, but what is a compliant design? It is a play structure designed while keeping physically disabled children in mind. While designing an inclusive playground, you should consider it.

4. Play Components

It is valuable to create opportunities for kids to learn while enjoying play components. Children learn to use their motor and sensory skills while playing. It can also be a way to socialize with kids by involving them in play. You can also add ground-level play components to make it more approachable.

5. Slope and Ramp

An ideal inclusive playground should have a running and a cross slope. A parallel slope is running, whereas a slope that is perpendicular to the travel is a cross slope. On the other hand, a ramp for an inclusive playground should have a running slope greater than 1:20 to provide 50% access to the play components.

Final Words

Although this guide is very helpful in designing an inclusive playground, you can take help from some professional playground designers if you don’t have any experience. An inclusive playground should be fun, safe, independent, and active for all age groups. All the cool grandpas, go and have some fun!