How supportive infrastructure can help make playgrounds inclusive

Creating an inclusive playground goes beyond just providing accessible play equipment. It involves designing the entire environment to be welcoming, safe, and usable for people of all abilities. This includes incorporating supportive infrastructure and amenities that cater to a wide range of needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the space equally.

Designing playgrounds for everyone

Helen Bergander , a creative designer specializing in inclusive playgrounds at HAGS Global , emphasizes that accessibility is not just about accommodating wheelchair users. It involves considering the diverse needs of all children, including those with ADHD, hearing loss, or visual impairments. Bergander suggests designing playgrounds with varying degrees of difficulty to cater to different abilities. For example, providing two adjacent obstacle courses—one at ground level for wheelchair users and another with balance and climbing opportunities—ensures that all children can participate and challenge themselves in ways that suit their abilities.

Key elements of inclusive playground design

Activity and experience: Focus on the activities and experiences the playground offers rather than just the equipment. Encourage children to balance, climb, slide, swing, and more, creating a dynamic environment that fosters physical activity and social interaction.

Stimulating the senses: Incorporate features that engage multiple senses, such as visual attractions, auditory components like musical instruments, and varied tactile surfaces. This not only makes the playground more exciting but also supports sensory development for all children.

Varying levels of difficulty: Include play features with different levels of difficulty, allowing children to gradually challenge themselves. This approach fosters skill development and boosts confidence over time.

Space for everyone: Ensure ample space around play equipment to accommodate all users, including parents or guardians in wheelchairs. This helps everyone comfortably engage in the playground activities.

A meeting place for all: Design the playground as a flexible, creative meeting place for everyone, avoiding targeted additions that might single out individuals. This promotes inclusivity and ensures that all children can enjoy the space together.

Supportive infrastructure and amenities

To make a playground truly inclusive, the surrounding infrastructure must also cater to the needs of all users.

• Toilets and changing facilities: Providing suitable toilet and changing facilities is essential for comfort and dignity, allowing longer visits to the playground. Consider installing a Changing Places Toilet, which offers additional space and equipment for people with profound disabilities.
• Seating: Offer a variety of seating options for parents, carers, and children of all abilities. Place seating strategically for optimal supervision and comfort, and ensure some seating doubles as play equipment.
• Picnic tables: Accessible picnic tables should allow wheelchair users to sit comfortably with others. Ensure tables accommodate various mobility levels and provide ample surface area and knee clearance.
• Litter bins: Position bins on accessible routes, making them easy to use for all, including those with limited hand dexterity.
• Parking and transportation: Accessible parking close to the play area is crucial. Additionally, ensure the playground is accessible via public transport, with facilities for parking prams, wheelchairs, and other adaptive equipment.

• Shade: Provide shaded areas to protect users from sun exposure, using natural shade from trees or structures like gazebos and pavilions.
• Signage and public statement of inclusion: Use accessible signage that includes tactile or auditory alternatives to text. A public statement of inclusion at the playground entrance can educate visitors and reinforce that the space is welcoming to everyone.
• Emergency support features: Ensure the playground is equipped with clearly marked emergency call boxes that are accessible to wheelchair users, recognizing that not everyone has a mobile phone.

By integrating these supportive infrastructure elements, playgrounds can become truly inclusive spaces where children of all abilities can play, learn, and grow together. These design principles not only enhance accessibility but also foster a sense of community and belonging for everyone who visits the playground.

Find out more about designing inclusive playgrounds on our website: