Inclusive Play Tour Highlights

Last month, ABC Recreation hosted its second annual Inclusive Play Tour! The event featured a presentation titled “A Higher Level of Inclusive Play” led by Jill Moore and a tour of two parks in the Guelph/Elmira area. It was a day filled with learning and inspiration as we welcomed attendees to learn about considerations for inclusive playground design. Here is a recap of this enlightening day!
The day began with a warm welcome and introduction to Jill Moore who works with the Landscape Structures team to aid in adding user voice within product development and deliver accredited educational courses across the country. She has a specific focus on best design practices for multi-generational spaces, inclusive play environments, and universal design principles, making her the perfect host for our event! Jill spoke on the difference between inclusivity and accessibility, indicating that while accessibility focuses on removing physical barriers for individuals with disabilities, inclusion emphasizes creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to engage in a way that meets their needs. This prompted a deeper discussion on what it means to design outdoor spaces for individuals of all ages and abilities.

After a thoughtful presentation on inclusive play, we visited our first playground of the day which was Gibson Park in Elmira, ON. This playground was first idealized in 2010 after Kelly Meissner’s daughter Kate was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome. Kelly wanted to create a space for Kate to develop her skills, connect with her community, and also play alongside her peers without feeling excluded. She approached the Town of Woolwich and the municipality agreed to donate and care for the land once the playground was built. Kelly set to work raising funds for what is now known as Kate’s Place for Everyone. Attendees had the chance to speak with both Kelly and Jill, as well as see and play on some inclusive play equipment firsthand!

Next, we made our way to Riverside Park in Guelph, ON. This park is a destination playground for Guelph and is heavily used and enjoyed by the community. We discussed the importance of clear pathways and thoughtful placement of equipment to ensure smooth navigation for all users. Once again, attendees had the opportunity to explore various inclusive playground features and appreciate the intentional design of this outdoor space.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us for this wonderful day, and we look forward to continuing the conversation about inclusivity in playground design. Together, we can create environments where everyone feels welcome to gather, play and thrive.