How To Design An Inclusive Playground

‘Playtimes are associated with freedom and being able to do what they want’ – Opal Report, 2021

The first step in designing an inclusive playground is understanding the wide range of needs that children may have. By acknowledging physical disabilities, sensory processing disorders, cognitive impairments, and even social or emotional challenges, you can think of ways to incorporate them into equipment and layout design.

Creative Play Advisors: ’Usually, we start by consulting with educators and local communities for insights into their specific needs. This collaborative approach identifies the features required to make the playground enjoyable for everyone’.

‘The more diverse the affordances on offer are, the more inclusive playgrounds are’ – Opal Report, 2021

Children interact with the world in a variety of ways, so consider incorporating multiple sensory experiences that engage sight, sound, touch, and even smell to reflect this – those with autism or sensory processing disorders will appreciate being able to engage with outdoor play equipment that appeals to their sensibilities.

Creative Play Designers: ‘One of our recent playgrounds in Manchester is a favourite of children with autism because the musical play panels allow them to express themselves, something they have been struggling with. Textured surfaces and aromatic plants also create a sensory-rich environment that grabs their curiosity’.

‘Children engaged in a wider range of physical movements… showed more pro-social and less anti-social behaviour’ – Opal Report, 2021

A well-designed playground promotes physical activity and helps children develop their motor skills. Consider installing activities that appeal to different levels of ability, allowing all children to grow physical literacy through challenges they can complete at their own pace.

Creative Play Advisors: ’Curate a mix of fast movement and stationary equipment, such as swings, balance beams, and climbing structures, to deliver opportunities for children of varying abilities to engage in physical development’.

Some children don’t thrive in high-energy environments, needing a place to retreat to if they have certain sensitivities or social anxieties. Think about including sections where they can find peaceful respite to recharge and mentally prepare for further play.

Creative Play Project Managers: ’Typically, we populate our quiet zones with benches, shaded nooks, and small gardens where children can sit quietly, read, or engage in low-stimulus activities – slightly removed from the main play areas, but still easily accessible’.

Family members of all ages should be able to stay together. Consider the needs of adults and older people who accompany children at playgrounds to encourage intergenerational interaction.

Creative Play Project Managers: ’Benches and tables – at wheelchair height – make for a simple but effective way of providing for this need. Fitness equipment which can be used by both adults and children also regularly feature in our playgrounds to draw in people of all ages’.

An ongoing process, inclusive playground design should evolve over time. Regularly assess how your playground is being used and gather feedback to make necessary adjustments.

Creative Play Advisors: ’Feedback from our customers is encouraged, and we frequently check in with them so they can share suggestions for improvement. We also provide regular maintenance checks to ensure equipment remains safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone’.