Playgrounds should prioritise accessibility in terms of having a range of play equipment for children with different needs. The true enjoyment of a playground lies in its accessibility. To achieve this, it is crucial to adopt a design approach that considers the needs and circumstances of all individuals. By prioritising inclusivity, playgrounds can be designed to cater to a range of requirements ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and safe while using the space.
While it is essential for modern playgrounds to meet the safety regulations, these standards alone may not always provide space and access for children who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Many existing playgrounds lack inclusive design elements, leaving children who rely on mobility aids limited to equipment that requires effort or is inaccessible due to steepness.
The successful playgrounds are those that incorporate features right from the initial design phase. This approach guarantees that the final product benefits children of all abilities and promotes intergenerational play enabling siblings who care for their parents or older brothers and sisters with disabilities to engage in meaningful play together.
Inclusive playgrounds play a role in helping children of all ages and abilities learn how to interact with each other fostering skills that will prepare them for the diverse world they will encounter as adults.
Apart from meeting safety compliance, it is important for playgrounds to be designed with accessibility in mind from the start. This involves creating pathways throughout the playground area including ramps and surfaces that are easy to navigate for individuals using mobility devices. Additionally it is important to ensure a transition between types of surfaces to prevent any potential tripping hazards. To find out more about Playgrounds Cheltenham, go to greenfieldsltd.co.uk/services/playgrounds-and-parks
The surfacing of the playground should be shock absorbent and have a slip texture especially for children using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. It should also be durable, textured and visually appealing to engage children’s senses. To cater to those with vision impairment, directional signage and visible colour distinctions should be incorporated into the design. Lastly, clear sight lines within the playground are essential so that everyone can easily locate equipment or activities and orient themselves.
In addition to meeting these requirements many cities are now exploring designs that offer diverse ways for children to experience the same equipment. For instance, certain updated climbing structures, such as the Unity Dome created by Playworld, include access points and multiple options for climbing. This allows children who may struggle with reaching or using ladders to participate in the enjoyment while enhancing their physical abilities, coordination and social interactions.
