All In
The importance of inclusivity in adventure park design
By Jeremie Bacon
Photos: The Forge: Lemont Quarries
After my daughter experienced a stroke in utero, her right side—from the top of her head to the tip of her big toe—was permanently impaired.
Fortunately, thanks to years of physical therapy and lots of grit, she’s recovered around 85-percent mobility on that side, and the rest of her body works with normal function. Today, my daughter has more stamina and determination than anyone I know. That said, she still faces many hurdles daily from this lack of mobility.
I tell this story, not because she, our family, or I want or need sympathy. I tell it because it’s an undeniable truth that people—of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences—are differently abled. That doesn’t mean, however, that all people shouldn’t get to enjoy the same experiences.
In co-founding and building The Forge: Lemont Quarries, a multi-faceted, high-ropes course and outdoor adventure park in Chicago, I prioritized the incorporation of inclusive elements and experiences into the park’s design.
The information and action steps outlined in this article should help to identify and implement strategies for creating more inclusive outdoor-recreation experiences.
Adventure Assessment
When it comes to parks and recreation-focused businesses, designers must be accountable for including and adapting facilities for people of all backgrounds and abilities—through programming, recreation experiences, and community building.
It’s important to understand what inclusivity means in the context of adventure-park design:
● Accessibility. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not explicitly outline compliance standards and policies for adventure parks, including ropes courses and climbing towers. Therefore, it’s important for adventure-park designers and builders to consider and challenge themselves to adapt their parks’ experiences for guests with special needs or different abilities.
● Attractions. While you may not be able to incorporate accessible features into every element of a park, it’s important to identify where and how you can do so. Can the blind navigate the climbing towers safely and securely? Can folks in wheelchairs access with ease the various points of interest in the park? Can elements of the park be adapted to accommodate older adults, children, and/or those with differing physical and mental abilities? Are the offerings appealing to a diverse audience?
● Programming. Outside of recreation experiences, parks can incorporate accessible and intentional programs for diverse audiences. Consider how a park can plan for and include activities and education for groups of different ages, races, experiences, abilities and backgrounds—so programs aren’t stuck catering to a slim set of demographics.
Ready, Set, Action
Once you’ve identified the various park elements to adapt, assess and follow these four action steps to implement change:
Action Step #1—Foster A Culture Of Inclusivity
Inclusivity means having a team—and, most importantly, leaders—who agree to prioritize and implement this culture throughout every aspect of the park.
For those building a culture of inclusivity, consider the following:
Inclusivity may not be a high-margin revenue driver—and that’s okay.
Inclusivity can’t cut corners. Doing so will miss the mark on people, demographics, and, most importantly, safety.
Inclusivity cannot be rushed. Take time to build a plan of action and implement it systematically.
Action Step #2—Identify And Plan
Planning for inclusivity and accessibility in summer-camp programming looks very different from that of a community center. The same goes for an adventure park versus an amusement park. Each recreation-focused business must first identify what inclusivity means to that space and community. From there, you’re able to develop a more effective and efficient plan.
By including phases in the plan, it’s also more likely the park will be mindful and intentional in its execution. For example, Phase One (implement in year one), Phase Two (implement in year three), and Phase Three (implement in year five).
Action Step #3—Implement
Once the plan is complete, it’s time to implement. Partnerships--with designers, builders, and contractors--are extremely important during this process. Look for a partner who will not only help build an inclusive park, but also work to identify even more areas for improvement.
Consider:
What are guests’ different needs and abilities, and how do you create memorable experiences for them?
How do you anticipate that people with different abilities will want to interact with the park?
What elements need to be adapted for those of different abilities?
How soon can these inclusive elements be implemented?
What design innovations can be used to lift people from the ground to enter the ropes course or access the ziplines?
For a park that’s already operational, you’ll need to plan retroactively.
Begin by considering the key elements of the park and how you might adapt them moving forward. Can you adjust attractions to better accommodate wheelchair-bound visitors? Can ziplines be adapted to include a lift-system to safely bring people to elevation? Are there lower-elevation elements that can be adapted and promoted for different ages and abilities?
Action Step #4—Management And Maintenance
Incorporating inclusivity into a park is by no means “set it and forget it.” The entire process is circular. It takes continuous evaluation and persistence to remain truly inclusive. Hold people and processes accountable for making sure that programs and offerings are hitting the mark in terms of inclusion, equity, and safety. And commit to pushing yourself, your team, and your department to continue to improve.
Jeremie Bacon is co-founder of The Forge: Lemont Quarries, Chicago’s first multi-faceted, high-ropes adventure course and outdoor-recreation destination. Bacon is an avid outdoor-recreator and life-long entrepreneur who has been building companies since childhood. Reach him at jeremie@theforgeparks.com.