What are accessible playgrounds?

An accessible playground is a play area that removes physical, sensory, and social barriers so that all children, regardless of their ability, can socialise, play, and feel included. They can be indoor or outdoor and include accessible playground equipment like disabled swings and sensory apparatus. Surfacing is also a key feature in their design, allowing everyone to move around freely.

Why do we need accessible playgrounds?

For too long, playgrounds were designed with a narrow idea of who gets to play. This was shaped by a lack of awareness and consideration for children with disabilities who were evidently left out, not because they didn’t want to play, but because the space wasn’t built for them.

When we picture a playground, slides, swings, and kids running freely come to mind. Unfortunately, traditional playgrounds (which still exist) are anything but.

Thankfully, things are changing, with disability advocates leading the way. Councils, schools, and park planners are realising that equity in public spaces matters just as much as aesthetics and budget. Council representatives now have the knowledge, the tools, and the momentum to do better, and many have acted, transforming play parks around the United Kingdom for the better.

Every child should be able to look at a park and see a place made for them because playgrounds are a place of shared joy that we often associate with positive childhood experiences. They are one of the first places we develop our physical, emotional, social, and cognitive wellbeing. The foundational experiences they provide last a lifetime, and everyone should be given the opportunity to make these memories.

If everyone can’t play, it’s not really a playground

The sight of slides, swings, and kids running freely sparks excitement in most children and the urge to join in. But for a child with a disability and their family, they see barriers in outdated parks caused by equipment they can’t use and surfaces they can’t navigate, creating feelings of exclusion.

Accessible play areas foster individual growth and social inclusion. These early experiences shape future viewpoints positively as children learn to interact with people from all walks of life. Children are the future, and by encouraging inclusivity today, we embed equality in the generations to come.

Accessible playground equipment

There are several types of accessible equipment that can be added to existing parks or implemented into the development of new playgrounds.

Swings for disabled people and wheelchair accessible playground equipment like the accessible carousel are just some examples of inclusive apparatus. Other types focus on sensory play, e.g., sand pits and safe spaces like tunnels for children with neurodivergent conditions.

How can I make a difference?

Awareness alone isn’t enough; as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. If you’re in the process of designing a park, and you’ve read this blog post, you’ve taken the first step in creating a better future.

There are several options that support inclusive design. At Vita Play, you’ll find services and equipment for children of all abilities, including sensory stimuli and wheelchair-friendly surfacing. Speak to one of our experts today and start laying the groundwork for a better tomorrow that has equality built in. Literally.