Inclusive Playground Design

Playgrounds should address the needs of all children, no matter their age or ability. Inclusive play environments provide unique opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in their right to play. Outdoor play environments that break down both physical barriers to access and social barriers to participation can unite communities in meaningful ways.

Dornboss Park-TX-Playgrounds-Inclusive-Roller Table-View 1-Web

Supporting Inclusive Play

The benefits of bringing your community together with an inclusive playground are immeasurable.

When a child has physical challenges, for example, that prohibit him or her from entering and engaging with a traditional playground through ladders, stairs, etc., it hinders his or her right to simply play and be a child. Offering an accessible playground for everyone to enjoy allows children to engage with other children of different abilities and backgrounds, which helps develop crucial social, physical, and emotional skills. Inclusive playground equipment considers all disabilities, including physical, sensory, social-emotional, and cognitive. So, it only makes sense to invest in creating a play environment that prepares future generations to communicate and engage with people with different abilities other than their own.

LeTulle Park-TX-Steel Play-Arch Swing Frame-002-Web

What is an Inclusive Playground?

Inclusive playgrounds go beyond providing accessible playground equipment or wheelchair-accessible playgrounds.

While accessible playground equipment is necessary and helps to break down physical barriers to play, inclusive playground design provides equitable play opportunities allowing children to participate in all the fun equally. These playgrounds can provide play opportunities to meet the diverse needs of the individuals in your community, including those with physical, sensory, communicative, social-emotional, and cognitive disabilities. When we address the needs of your community, all children will be able to reap the lifelong developmental, physical, and social benefits of inclusion.

3 Things to Include When Designing an Inclusive Playground

Provide multiple opportunities for individuals to independently access play and engage in intuitive play patterns.

Include play events that children of all abilities can access throughout the play environment (instead of in one central location) to encourage inclusion among all children.

Offer a balance of meaningful play activities that support the physical, social-emotional, sensory, cognitive, and communicative needs of all children.

Dennis P Collins Park-NJ-Playgrounds-Daisy Dash

Interactive Games

Thinking beyond traditional playground equipment, you can incorporate playground games into your outdoor play space. Games such as our Daisy Dash allow all children to play together, despite age or ability.

Play Equipment that Welcomes Children of All Abilities

We offer inclusive playground equipment that allows children of differing abilities equal opportunities to play. We offer a variety of different inclusive play opportunities, from sensory playground equipment to playground equipment that encourages physical play. The below products offer a glimpse into how you can provide equitable play opportunities on your playground. Inclusive playground equipment goes beyond individuals with physical disabilities, so the equipment below can provide sensory play activities, quiet spaces, and more.

Intergenerational Playground Equipment

When planning your inclusive playground, consider adding multigenerational, or intergenerational, playground equipment. This play equipment is designed to bring people of all ages and abilities together. Consider our See Me Swing, Daisy Dash, or our outdoor fitness equipment

Need help with selecting playground equipment?

Our knowledgeable sales representatives can help you pick playground equipment that is age-appropriate, suitable to the space available, and within budget.

Find A Rep