Inclusive Playgrounds

Guest Curator Latika

In Every Game, We Find Each Other

Play is a big part of how kids grow – physically, socially, emotionally, even in how they think and solve problems. It’s where they build confidence, make friends, and figure out the world around them. Inclusive playgrounds ensure that all children regardless of their abilities, can join in the fun, try new things, learn new skills, and teach each other about understanding, teamwork, and kindness. As Winnie the Pooh, that honey-obsessed bear beloved by millions of children worldwide says, “A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference”

In This Playground, Every Bunny Belongs

When they hear the word ‘disabled’ many people picture someone in a wheelchair or using a white cane but disabilities can look different for everyone. Sometimes, they aren’t even visible. They can range from mild challenges to more significant ones; each person’s experience is unique. Inclusive playgrounds are so special because they celebrate diversity and turn playtime into a fantastic adventure for all kids

Together is Our Favourite Place to Be

Playgrounds designed for everyone can become magical places where kids of all abilities can make friends. Interacting with each other in play helps them understand that everyone has strengths. By playing together, kids develop empathy and acceptance, helping create a more connected and supportive community for everyone.

An Adventure for Everyone

Every child has both strengths and needs. Some kids might find moving around or reaching different play areas tricky. Others might need extra help with playing with certain toys, diving into pretend play, or joining in on imaginative games. Kids may also have difficulty sharing how they feel or what they can do. The goal is to build a space where everyone feels comfortable, understood, and excited to play together.

Safety First. Always

Safety must always be a top priority while designing and maintaining spaces for kids. ?

On an inclusive playground, this means using strong, non-toxic materials and regularly checking the equipment for signs of wear and tear. Clear pathways, accessible surfaces, adequate supervision – which may include gates and fencing, to protect children from traffic – and clear signs help everyone enjoy the playground freely and confidently.

Come One, Come All!

An inclusive playground is like the circus – there’s something for everyone. Using local materials like recycled tyres for swings and slides keeps costs in check while making a happy space for everyone.

Side by Side, Step by StepInclusive play is about bringing kids together rather than separating them by ability. And it doesn’t have to break the bank, either. Equipment like wide swings that can fit two kids and large group seesaws let children play with rather than apart from each other.

Roll, Walk, Skip, or Jump Inclusive pathways welcome both feet and wheels. With smooth ramps and wide platforms at ground level, kids using wheelchairs or other assistive devices can roll up to and explore everywhere without help. Rubber tiles made from recycled tyres are low-maintenance, durable, cushioned, and safe for falls.

To Each Their Own FunSome kids love to climb, others prefer to spin or sit and take it all in. Variety is the key to catering to different strengths, abilities, and sensory needs. There’s no need for fancy, imported structures – a simple swing, sandbox or balance beam made from local, durable materials can encourage kids of all abilities to try new things and push their boundaries.

Where the Wild Things Play

Nature is the best playground! In urban areas, wide, uncomplicated trails and garden spaces with raised beds let kids explore and connect with the outdoors. Large boulders or logs create natural climbing areas that blend into the background. Low-cost, eco-friendly paths made from gravel or wood chips, or raised garden beds for planting let kids learn about nature, get their hands dirty, and enjoy the beauty of growing things together.

A World of Sights, Sounds, and LaughterPlaygrounds that engage all the senses by offering a variety of textures, sounds and visual elements in fun, playful ways open up a whole new world of play, especially for kids with sensory processing differences. A sensory path using smooth stones, soft grass, and textured mats to walk or roll over as wind chimes or bells tinkle in the breeze makes a great addition. A water play area with buckets, sponges, and small containers encourages pouring and splashing – always a hit with kids.

A Playground as Big as Our Imagination

Community art projects -- sculptures to climb on, murals at different heights for children in wheelchairs, tactile installations that kids can touch and feel, colorful mosaics and painted pathways -- reflect diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences, turning the playground into a vibrant representation of the whole community. It’s especially fun when the kids can add their touches.

Everyone Needs a Break Sometimes

Playgrounds can be overwhelming sometimes. For kids with sensory sensitivities and those who want a break from the action, shady trees, a quiet corner with benches, or even a small garden area makes a cool spot to rest and recharge. Eco-friendly seating areas using natural materials, like benches made from logs or recycled wood and arranged in a way that encourages interaction, allow caregivers to relax too.

Fun for the Whole Family

Inclusive playgrounds aren’t just about the kids. When they’re thoughtfully designed with ramps, sensory-friendly equipment and accessible seating, they become places where parents, grandparents, and caregivers of all abilities can relax and enjoy time together.

The More We Play, the More We Grow

The more we play, the more we learn – about ourselves and each other. Inclusive playgrounds create a space where children feel valued, and families can bond. Through play, children learn empathy and cooperation, helping build communities that are stronger and more connected. It all begins here!

About Latika

Latika, based in Dehradun, is a non-profit dedicated to providing specialized, localized services for disabled children and their families and helping others do the same. One of its programs, Latika Vihar, is an inclusive play center where children of all ages and abilities come together to play, learn, and express themselves. There are only three rules: Be Kind. Be Fair. Everyone’s Included.

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