Accessibility & Inclusivity

Playgrounds are one of the most important public places for child development. That's why it is critical to think about accessibility and inclusivity for all abilities in your playground design.

Depending on the needs of your school or community, you may want to ask yourself the following questions. How accessible is the playground to all users? What kinds of physical, sensory and social experiences does the playground provide? How can every child benefit from the playground?

Here are some key considerations when building an accessible playground:

• Consider all types of special needs: physical, sensory, mental, emotional and social.
• To add sensory stimulation, make use of bright colours, signs, pictures and textures.
• Create spaces that encourage creative play and physical exploration, keeping in mind the age and abilities of children who will be using the playground.
• Ensure that there are pathways leading into and out of the playground to allow access to play equipment. Remove barriers around the entire play space, such as a raised border, that may prevent children and parents with special needs from entering the play area.
• Remember that some protective surfacing material can be a barrier for children who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Poured-in-place synthetic surfacing (often made of rubber), engineered wood fibre and rubber fibres improve accessibility. Sand and pea gravel may decrease accessibility because they do not allow a wheelchair to turn easily.
• Consider using a combination of surfacing materials. This can be a cost-effective way to improve accessibility, while still providing a good cushion to reduce injury from falls. A variety of materials also adds interest to the playground.
• Be sure not to create hazards. For safety guidelines, refer to the Canadian Standards Association's (CSA) standard for children's play spaces.

Ask your Blue Imp consultant about how to make your playground fun for all.