All kids are created equal with the same desire and need to experience play. Play opportunities that challenge and inspire them physically, support and stimulate them cognitively and facilitate an emotional and social connection. A well-designed inclusive playground welcomes children and adults of all abilities to interact and play together. Play is not only fun, but it’s also an essential part of a child’s development and critical for the successful growth of both the brain and the body.
The necessity for play is universal regardless of age and ability. Often when the term accessible or inclusive playground is mentioned, people think of individuals with a physical disability who require a mobility device, but true inclusivity is much broader and considers individuals with developmental disabilities like autism; children with sight or hearing impairment and children with intellectual disabilities, such as down syndrome. It’s important to design an outdoor space that considers the needs of everyone, including siblings, parents, grandparents, friends and other caregivers.
Play is the universal language of fun and a foundational part of childhood. Supporting it is a responsibility that our playground manufacturer Landscape Structures welcomes every day. Because we know that when play spaces are designed for everyone, play brings out the best in all of us.
An inclusive playground welcomes kids and families of all abilities to learn, play and grow together. These spaces provide just the right level of challenge and risk to meet kids where they are, addresses all levels of ability, and creates play experiences for a variety of needs and interests. An inclusive playground goes beyond basic accessibility and ensures children and adults of all abilities have play options and can choose how they want to engage in play.
Beyond the playground features, it’s important to consider other elements that truly make a space inclusive. Creating a welcoming, safe, and accessible environment is just as important as the playground itself. A fence can help define and contain the area, but also provides a sense of comfort to both children and parents. It’s also important to incorporate plenty of shade options, as children’s tolerance levels of sun and heat vary greatly. Pathways, ramps, and transfer points should also be considered and made as accessible as possible. Pathways should be wide enough to accommodate someone using a mobility device as well as a person walking beside that individual. Protective surfacing, such as poured-in-place rubber surfacing, provides a truly accessible experience for kids and adults of all abilities.
The play that happens on a playground is transformative for both the brain and the body teaching us how to interact with one another, how our bodies move and figuring out how to master new skills. Adults and children of all abilities need the opportunity to experience the benefits that play has to offer developmentally.
Just as every child is unique, every playground should be, too. We have partnered with many organizations
and community groups to create inspiring and inclusive spaces that welcome everyone to play.
The renovation of Greenwood Park in Petrolia, ON was led by a citizen group called Parents for Parks, who worked tirelessly to fundraise for the renovation of this playground which now includes a ramped playstructure, an accessible spinner, a climbing rope structure and rubber surfacing.
Riverside Park is Cambridge’s largest community park at 102 hectares. It is home to an accessible playground for children ages 18 months to 12 years including barrier-free and inclusive rubberized surfacing.
Earl Bales Park in North York is home to a universally accessible playground where children of all abilities could share the magic of play. ABC Recreation worked with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to build a 15,000 square foot universally accessible playground. Included in the design is several inclusive features for children of all abilities and accessible safety surfacing.
Kelly Meissner, the founder of Kate’s Kause, rallied her community to raise funds to build “Kate’s Place For Everyone” -- an accessible playground for kids of all ages and abilities. The playground was inspired and motivated by Kelly’s daughter, Kate, who was diagnosed with Angelman’s Syndrome.
The Municipality of Tweed alongside the Kiwanis Club of Tweed worked tirelessly to raise enough funds in addition to government funding to install a state of the art, all-inclusive playground for children and families of Tweed and surrounding area.
ABC Recreation designed and installed a fully accessible playground that children of all ages and abilities can enjoy. With a ramped playstructure, accessible swings, sensory panels, and more, this playground will be loved by the locals and visitors for years to come.
Through grants, fundraisers, donations, and extensive community involvement, the Chenier family created a park that will be a lasting tribute in memory of their son Sacha, who passed away. The playground was designed with inclusion and accessibility in mind. The Chenier family chose a blue and yellow colour scheme for the playground inspired by Sacha’s love for Batman.
Providing a variety of options for sensory engagement gives children the autonomy to choose how they want to play.
This independence in play improves confidence, self-esteem and physical competence.
This merry-go-round offers ample room for kids and families to interact and play together – including those in wheelchairs. The integrated roof provides shade, and the center handhold allows riders to participate in the spinning fun.
The We-Go-Swing® is a revolutionary step forward in inclusive play experiences. Designed to be integrated into the playground setting, this swing lets kids of all abilities play together and experience the thrill of swinging with no need to transfer.
The Cozy Dome® is the perfect mix of a fun climber and a cozy place for children to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy playground. Kids can take time for themselves or socialize together.
The We-saw™ is a new take on a traditional seesaw. This unique design provides a gentle rocking motion for users and is wheelchair accessible.
The Sway Fun® provides users of all ages and abilities a social gathering point where they can rest and still play. It offers room for two wheelchairs, plus two large benches for other passengers, and a play table with cup holders and wheelchair handholds.
This slide provides a unique tactile and auditory experience and is wide enough to allow multiple users to slide together. The rollers eliminate any static-electric buildup, allowing individuals with cochlear implants to use the slide.
The high-backed OmniSpin® Spinner offers children of all abilities valuable vestibular sensory stimulation and encourages interactive play. This feature offers transfer points from both wheelchair and walker.
This piece was designed with inclusion in mind with space for one or many kids riding in various positions. This feature is a great place for children of all ages and abilities to explore vestibular movement together.
The ZipKrooz® Assisted includes a molded bucket seat with harness that helps keep those with limited upper or lower body strength secure. Users of all abilities can enjoy the thrill of flying on a trolley that glides easily to each end and back.
