Ask The Right Questions

To build the best inclusive playground for your community

By Tim Roetman
Photos: Wayne Parks & Recreation

An accessible playspace has never been easier to build. With options from several playground manufacturers, the sky is the limit. But how does one get it right the first time as far as what a community wants and needs? Below is a look at how to identify a community’s needs, how to design a play space with the whole family in mind, and how to build an inclusive playground that will keep families coming back.

In planning an inclusive playground, community input is key. So, seek out the people who have a stake in the game. Special-needs parents’ groups, local teachers, children with disabilities, and their siblings all make excellent focus groups. Here are some important considerations:

• Ask parents/caregivers and their children what types of activities they enjoy. This general question will help determine what type of play is popular in the community. For design purposes, try to assess whether the community seeks more group or individual activity stations, whether kids prefer swinging, climbing, sliding, sensory items, dramatic play, or something else. Taking notes during these meetings will help to develop a concept on what to include and exclude.

• Determine which amenities are important. The items that surround a play structure are just as important as the actual equipment. A family-friendly playspace may include shade structures, picnic or seating areas, trash receptacles, water fountains, and even restrooms. Depending on the budget, some prioritization may be necessary. Ask the focus groups what is important to them; however, it is wise to begin with shade and seating areas to accommodate caregivers. Portable toilets are an inexpensive alternative to a full restroom facility. Secure donations by starting a “donate a bench” campaign; local businesses are often eager to pitch in when it comes to projects for children with special needs.

• Incorporate inclusivity into the entire design. For instance, a fence is a must-have item. Parents and caregivers of special-needs children will thank you. A fence surrounding a play area will prevent children from wandering into adjacent roadways or parking areas. Here is the next essential item—be sure to plan for adequate parking. Both van-accessible and typical handicap-accessible parking spaces should be considered. Planning an accessible walkway from the parking area to the play area is highly recommended. Finally, consider the play surface. Ideally, this should be a poured-in-place, rubber or porous rubber tile.

Now it is time to think about the play structure itself. This key item will make or break a project and may determine whether families return. Using the information gathered in the focus-group meetings, let the designer/sales team know the must-have pieces. Keep in mind that, while the playground is designed to be inclusive, able-bodied children should not be ignored. Inclusive play must-haves include ramps instead of stairs, sensory panels, accessible climbers, and accessible swings. Many items on the market cater to people of all abilities, such as ground-level spinners, roller slides, and low-to-the-ground climbers. It is OK to add a few challenge items, such as large climbers or tall slides. Dramatic play areas, such as a clubhouse or a storefront, are also good choices to foster inclusivity.

Remember, it is not only about what a child can see and touch. Engage all the senses if possible. There are ways to design an inclusive space to engage a person’s hearing (auditory panels or music station) and smell (planting a sensory garden) as well.

Here are a few key lessons learned from designing inclusive playgrounds:

• Visit other inclusive parks. Ask users what they like and don’t like. Observe what is used the most, and what equipment goes untouched.

• Make the playspace multi-directional. When using ramps, have more than one set that reaches ground level. By offering participants multiple entry points to a structure, it becomes more inviting and easier to navigate for those with disabilities.

• Consider ancillary pieces from multiple manufacturers. While the main structure will be of a specific brand, peripheral equipment, such as spinners, stand-alone sensory panels, playhouses, and musical equipment, can be purchased from separate vendors and incorporated into the design. If the community really wants a specific piece of equipment, don’t hesitate to include it.

• Consider incorporating landscaping features into the design. Tall grasses, boulders, shade trees, and other landscaping features can enhance the play experience. Pouring an area that is simply a concrete slab works, too. Kids will draw on it with chalk or possibly use it as home base for a game of tag. Don’t underestimate a child’s creativity!

Tim Roetman, CPRP, is the Director of Parks & Recreation in Wayne Township, N.J. Reach him at roetmant@waynetownship.com.