Outdoor parks and playgrounds are essential vehicles for the natural growth and
development of children. The outstanding benefits of these play spaces are immense,
but when children of different abilities cannot participate in the fun of the outdoors,
inclusivity and accessibility need to become paramount when designing a park space.
According to the United Nations, access to play is a right for all children, but how
are local Australian governments ensuring that their play spaces prioritise
inclusivity?
Here are 3 keys that local government authorities are driving to unlock accessibility for
their play spaces:
1. Wide spaces for better wheelchair access
a. Facilitating more expansive areas and space between activities enables
play for children with wheelchairs and encourages participation with
others. Additionally, creating free space allows other visitors (such as
parents with prams) to interact with play environments.
2. Intentional resting points
a. Creating intentional resting points allows carers and children to have
greater passive engagement with play spaces. Furthermore, it’s imperative
to ensure that any park furniture at these rest points is Disability
Discrimination Act (DDA) Compliant.
3. Activities that aren’t just physically based
a. Modern park spaces incorporate a range of play elements no longer
limited to physical activities; sensory activities are a prime example of this.
Additionally, sensory activities don’t just drive park space inclusivity, but
further enable enhanced cognitive, social, and emotional development for
children.
Building an inclusive space starts by ensuring everyone, regardless of age or ability, can
participate together, have access to amenities, and feel welcome in the area.
Are you encouraging your local government to create inclusive spaces?