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How to Design an Inclusive Playground

Posted by The Wicksteed Team, 26 Oct 23

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The benefits of outdoor play for children is incomparable to anything that can be taught in a classroom, or learnt from technology. According to NI Direct, “playing outdoors allows children to develop self-confidence, independence and self-esteem. They also become aware of limits, boundaries and challenge in their play.”
Highly desirable life skills can be learned outdoors, such as wanting to try new things, problem-solving, exploring and understanding nature, and social skills. Therefore, making outdoor play accessible for all should be at the forefront of inclusive playground design.

What does it mean to be inclusive?

Being inclusive doesn’t just apply to play. Providing easy access to buildings, events, transport, education, recreational activities and more is an essential part of ensuring everyone, of every ability is able to enjoy everyday activities without restriction. Inclusivity is about designing communities and infrastructure with everyone in mind. 

What is an inclusive playground?

An inclusive playground is one that provides a suitable place to play for those with and without disabilities. Children with mobility issues and wheelchair users will often find conventional playgrounds difficult to navigate.
By factoring in inclusivity at the research and design stage, councils, schools, and private entities can ensure their playgrounds can be used by everyone.

Why are inclusive playgrounds important?

It goes without saying that building an inclusive playground is an essential way to ensure everyone feels valued. The Equality Act 2010 protects people with certain characteristics against discrimination, disability being one of them – and may be applied to playgrounds. Disabled people legally have a right to “reasonable adjustments” that make services accessible to them.
If your playground has been designed to be accessible, it’s possible to have an assessment of compliance with the Equality Act by charities such as RoSPA whose mission is “Exchanging life-enhancing skills and knowledge to reduce serious accidental injuries“ In addition, ensuring the general safety of your playground is important and regular inspections should be conducted.
Not only are inclusive playgrounds important for promoting outdoor play for those with accessibility issues, they are also an essential way to ensure children of all abilities play and interact with each other. In turn this allows everyone to grow and learn together, breaking down boundaries and opening up children to new experiences.

How to start thinking inclusively

One of the most important things you can do before designing your play space is to complete an audit of existing facilities and the surrounding areas. You can start by looking at the following:
  • Is parking available?
  • Are there existing pathways?
  • What are the current needs of users of the play area?
  • Are there any facilities on the site (café/toilets)?
Once you have answered these questions, you can look to design a space that suits the needs and the location of your play space.
Thinking inclusively when it comes to playground design is about getting creative. Consider different ways in which children play, for example with their hands or through physical movement, and understand how different aspects of your playground could stimulate these senses.

Important features of inclusive playgrounds

Inclusive playgrounds don’t have to be complex and can easily include features that are fun, engaging, and challenging for all children. Incorporating multi-levels accessible via gentle, non-slip slopes will allow those with mobility issues to enjoy a full range of physical activities.
In addition, ensuring playground include plenty of stimulating activities that can be enjoyed with various parts of the body and senses, such as sensory touch boards, cogs and wheels, mirrors, imagery, fun facts, and musical instruments etc. can help to ensure playgrounds offer a well-rounded experience.
Including activity tables in your playground will allow those in wheelchairs to sit and play alongside standing users, promoting a sense of togetherness within your playground. Inclusive roundabouts and swings can also be incorporated into your design to offer further enjoyment for those using mobility aids such as wheelchairs.

Planning inclusive events

As well as creating an inclusive playground, local councils and private organization can also use their outdoor spaces to plan inclusive events that bring entire communities together. Music festivals, sports days, and family fun days are all great ways to promote outdoor play and enjoyment. Ensuring parking is accessible should be a big consideration for both general playground use and event organization, while also ensuring footpaths are suitable for those using mobility aids such as wheelchairs.
At Wicksteed Leisure, we offer a wide range of inclusive playground equipment suitable for toddlers, children and adults alike! With over 100 years’ experience designing and installing playgrounds, we know how to make fun accessible. Find out more and be the change your community needs.
  Read More
The benefits of outdoor play for children is incomparable to anything that can be taught in a classroom, or learnt from technology. According to NI Direct, “playing outdoors allows children to develop self-confidence, independence and self-esteem. They also become aware of limits, boundaries and challenge in their play.”
Highly desirable life skills can be learned outdoors, such as wanting to try new things, problem-solving, exploring and understanding nature, and social skills. Therefore, making outdoor play accessible for all should be at the forefront of inclusive playground design.

What does it mean to be inclusive?

Being inclusive doesn’t just apply to play. Providing easy access to buildings, events, transport, education, recreational activities and more is an essential part of ensuring everyone, of every ability is able to enjoy everyday activities without restriction. Inclusivity is about designing communities and infrastructure with everyone in mind. 

What is an inclusive playground?

An inclusive playground is one that provides a suitable place to play for those with and without disabilities. Children with mobility issues and wheelchair users will often find conventional playgrounds difficult to navigate.
By factoring in inclusivity at the research and design stage, councils, schools, and private entities can ensure their playgrounds can be used by everyone.

Why are inclusive playgrounds important?

It goes without saying that building an inclusive playground is an essential way to ensure everyone feels valued. The Equality Act 2010 protects people with certain characteristics against discrimination, disability being one of them – and may be applied to playgrounds. Disabled people legally have a right to “reasonable adjustments” that make services accessible to them.
If your playground has been designed to be accessible, it’s possible to have an assessment of compliance with the Equality Act by charities such as RoSPA whose mission is “Exchanging life-enhancing skills and knowledge to reduce serious accidental injuries“ In addition, ensuring the general safety of your playground is important and regular inspections should be conducted.
Not only are inclusive playgrounds important for promoting outdoor play for those with accessibility issues, they are also an essential way to ensure children of all abilities play and interact with each other. In turn this allows everyone to grow and learn together, breaking down boundaries and opening up children to new experiences.

How to start thinking inclusively

One of the most important things you can do before designing your play space is to complete an audit of existing facilities and the surrounding areas. You can start by looking at the following:
  • Is parking available?
  • Are there existing pathways?
  • What are the current needs of users of the play area?
  • Are there any facilities on the site (café/toilets)?
Once you have answered these questions, you can look to design a space that suits the needs and the location of your play space.
Thinking inclusively when it comes to playground design is about getting creative. Consider different ways in which children play, for example with their hands or through physical movement, and understand how different aspects of your playground could stimulate these senses.

Important features of inclusive playgrounds

Inclusive playgrounds don’t have to be complex and can easily include features that are fun, engaging, and challenging for all children. Incorporating multi-levels accessible via gentle, non-slip slopes will allow those with mobility issues to enjoy a full range of physical activities.
In addition, ensuring playground include plenty of stimulating activities that can be enjoyed with various parts of the body and senses, such as sensory touch boards, cogs and wheels, mirrors, imagery, fun facts, and musical instruments etc. can help to ensure playgrounds offer a well-rounded experience.
Including activity tables in your playground will allow those in wheelchairs to sit and play alongside standing users, promoting a sense of togetherness within your playground. Inclusive roundabouts and swings can also be incorporated into your design to offer further enjoyment for those using mobility aids such as wheelchairs.

Planning inclusive events

As well as creating an inclusive playground, local councils and private organization can also use their outdoor spaces to plan inclusive events that bring entire communities together. Music festivals, sports days, and family fun days are all great ways to promote outdoor play and enjoyment. Ensuring parking is accessible should be a big consideration for both general playground use and event organization, while also ensuring footpaths are suitable for those using mobility aids such as wheelchairs.
At Wicksteed Leisure, we offer a wide range of inclusive playground equipment suitable for toddlers, children and adults alike! With over 100 years’ experience designing and installing playgrounds, we know how to make fun accessible. Find out more and be the change your community needs.
  Read More