Checklist for designing inclusive playgrounds
Our mission is to create inclusive play spaces where everyone can play together. These playgrounds should be accessible and engaging for children of all ages and abilities, encouraging interaction and socialization.
Playing is crucial for children's activity, learning, friendship-building, and overall development and wellbeing. Inclusive play spaces foster positive connections, relieve stress, stimulate creativity, boost confidence, and allow children to experience the joy and benefits of play.
How do we make existing playgrounds more accessible?
1 Inventory existing play
Who is the playground available for today? The most common disabilities are:
- Movement impairment
- ADHD
- Intellectual disability
- Visual impairment
- Autism
- Hearing loss
- Stomach and intestinal problems
2 Movement impairment
- How is the basis for play functions?
- Is there anything to do at ground level, eg games?
- Is it possible to replace a screen?
- Is it possible to switch to different swing seats?
- Try to get to varying degrees of difficulty
- Is there room for a wheelchair at the table/bench?
- Are there openings in any hem edges?
- Raised sandbox, sand table
- Extra grips
3 ADHD
- Are there physically challenging games, eg climbing games, obstacle courses?
- Is there anything fast-paced - eg swings, slides?
- Is it possible to divide the playground into islands?
- Is it possible to share intensive play - calmly?
4 Intellectual disability
- Playing higher up in age, is the play equipment big enough?
- Are there clear and simple play features?
5 Visual impairment
- Can you reinforce orientation with the help of beacons, e.g. wind chimes, water?
- Create holding points for orientation, e.g. with walkways, bushes, flower boxes.
- Good lighting
- Tactile information board
- Contrast markings on play stands, start/end steps, handrails, etc.
6 Autism
- Does the playground need to be fenced off?
- Is it possible to create structure through color?
- Is it possible to make any part of the playground quieter?
- Are there things to play with that don't require cooperation?
7 Hearing loss
- Is it possible to add balance play, preferably close to the ground?
- Need visual information added?
- Is it possible to minimize disturbing noise?
8 Stomach problems
- Is there a toilet nearby?
- Are there rest areas at the side of the play?
