Making Playgrounds Accessible and Inclusive for All

Do you remember spending afternoons swinging high into the sky, dreaming of life’s possibilities? Or speeding down the slide to catch up with a friend? Many of us look back fondly to the days when life revolved around the playground. It’s heartbreaking to think some kids have not had the opportunity to play on a swing, slide or climb at the park with friends. At Miracle® Recreation, we want to empower kids with all abilities to experience the joys of playtime.

Playing at the playground is an essential part of childhood. It offers kids a variety of benefits for their physical health, such as boosted immunity and stronger muscles. Outdoor play also enables them to develop critical cognitive, emotional and social skills. Every kid deserves the chance to learn, have fun and create joyful memories on the playground.

An accessible playground is not necessarily inclusive and both elements are essential for a playground to benefit everyone. Learn about the differences between accessibility and inclusivity, the advantages of both and how you can make an impact as a playground owner. There is nothing more rewarding than building a playground that welcomes kids of all abilities. Sometimes, just a few small changes can make a playground more inclusive and you don’t need a limitless budget to make it happen.

Read the full article or skip to a specific section:

• What Makes a Playground Accessible?
• What Is an Inclusive Playground?
• Why Make Your Playground Accessible and Inclusive?
• How to Make a Playground Accessible and Inclusive
• Accessible and Inclusive Equipment to Include in Your Playground
• Funding Opportunities for Accessible and Inclusive Playgrounds
• FAQs About Accessible and Inclusive Playgrounds
• View Inclusive Playground Equipment From Miracle Recreation

What Makes A Playground Accessible?

An accessible playground meets the regulations outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA.) This means that kids with all abilities have access to and can use playground equipment. It also welcomes caregivers or older siblings with different abilities into the playground to watch over children or join in the fun.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 7.3 million students received special education services in 2021-22.  These included specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, developmental delays, autism, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbances and hearing impairments, among other disabilities.

The ADA requires playgrounds built or altered after March 15, 2012, to comply with its standards. A few ADA compliance guidelines include:

• An accessible playground must have unobstructed routes to the playground and equipment.
• There must be an accessible pathway to the parking lot and park buildings, such as restrooms or offices.
• Playgrounds must have transfer stations or ramps for kids with disabilities to engage with equipment.
• Play areas must use specific safety surfacing that meets ADA criteria and ASTM 1951 certifications. Additionally, this surfacing should undergo regular inspections and maintenance to remain compliant.

Kids of all abilities and ages should have the freedom to move on smooth pathways and ramps, access grab bars easily and move to and from equipment safely.

What Is an Inclusive Playground?

In addition to being accessible, your playground should be inclusive. An inclusive playground exceeds ADA regulations and allows children of all abilities and developmental stages to play together.  By designing an inclusive playground, you create a nurturing environment for all.

Everyone deserves to feel included. An inclusive playground considers the needs of kids with all abilities and incorporates play equipment that addresses those needs and promotes growth and joy. For example, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or sensory processing disorder sometimes need to regroup in a quiet, cozy space. To build an inclusive playground, you might incorporate a comfortable, quiet area for kids with ASD to escape the commotion without feeling isolated. Experts estimate 1 in 36 children has ASD. An inclusive playground sends kids with ASD and other disorders the message that they shouldn’t have to play alone.

Why Make Your Playground Accessible and Inclusive?

Kids benefit from free, unstructured play — regardless of their abilities. Children have a right to equal opportunities — inclusive playgrounds help to level the playing field so kids with all abilities can reach their full potential. In addition, inclusive playgrounds create a space for kids to play, grow and learn from one another. The benefits of an inclusive and accessible playground design seem endless, but here are a few to consider.

• Encourage acceptance and empathy: When kids get to play together, they gain a better understanding of the world and learn to appreciate and accept differences and similarities. They get to learn new perspectives and develop empathy — an important social skill for life.
• Create a stimulating play environment: An accessible playground enables kids with different abilities to enjoy a wide variety of exciting, inclusive play activities. From exploring a range of sensory-stimulating activities to engaging with equipment that challenges their physical abilities and promotes healthy risks, kids will feel invigorated.
• Boost kids‘ self-esteem: A positive, enriching playground supports kids in developing a sense of identity and grows their confidence. By building up their self-esteem, they learn new skills and make friends.
• Promote valuable family time: Accessible and inclusive playgrounds allow adults of all abilities to accompany their kids or grandchildren and spend meaningful time together.
• Build a better future: Inclusive and accessible playgrounds help kids learn the importance of equality and fairness — valuable lessons for a prosperous community. Learning these skills helps create an inclusive society where everyone has access to equal opportunities.

Overall, an inclusive and accessible playground makes everyone happier, healthier and more connected to one another.

How to Make a Playground Accessible and Inclusive

How to Make a Playground Accessible and Inclusive

Making a playground accessible and inclusive does not have to be complicated or unaffordable. There are plenty of resources available to provide guidance and funding assistance. Also, many playground structures already have inclusivity and accessibility in mind.

Nevertheless, it’s understandable if you feel overwhelmed by the many options and regulations. Rest assured, you don’t need an enormous budget or space to make your playground fun for everyone. Learn more about the process so you can take the first step in designing an accessible and inclusive playground.

1. Evaluate Your Playground

Before building your new accessible playground, you should evaluate your existing playground to determine the accessibility issues that would need to be corrected in your new playground. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Can kids and adults who use wheelchairs or mobility devices access the playground and equipment easily?
• Are there deterrents such as slopes or narrow paths making accessibility challenging?
• Can kids of all abilities use playground equipment such as slides, swings and climbers?
• Can kids play together?
• Are paths level and smooth, so kids in wheelchairs can easily move about?
• Is there enough shade to protect kids and their caregivers from the sun?
• Are there rest areas for caregivers?
• Are there activities that engage the senses in an interesting mix of shapes, textures and sounds?
• How many elevated inclusive play activities do you have?
• Do you have ramps or other ways to make it more accessible?
• Can playground users enter the playground using the same route, so no one feels excluded?

To make sure playgrounds are ADA-compliant, the Department of Justice has outlined guidelines in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Need more tips for playground planning? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Playground.

2. Determine Your Community’s Needs

Your top priority is to create a play space that is safe, fun and challenging for kids of all abilities. That means considering the unique needs of kids. For example, you might take the following into account:

• Adding sensory activities: Children with ASD often feel over- or understimulated. Providing a quiet place to take a break or the opportunity to engage with sensory stimulating activities offers them a more comfortable and enriching experience. Make sure to include a variety of calmer play spaces and sensory-rich experiences by integrating music, lights or spinning motions.
• Boosting accessibility: Think about how children will access play equipment. You might need to add ramps or transfer systems so children with different abilities can enjoy slides, bridges and other elements. Consider activities that will engage children physically and help them build strength and coordination. Also, consider how much effort a child will have to put into reaching equipment. It should never be exhausting to play!
• Creating social space: Make sure to include inclusive play activities and equipment children can use at the same time, so they get the chance to interact and socialize.

The entire playground should offer many opportunities for kids to develop cognitive, physical, social and sensory skills. Consider where your playground needs the most improvement and set realistic goals. Step by step, you can design an accessible and inclusive playground that kids in your community will enjoy.

Discover how Miracle Recreation designs inclusive, multi-sensory playground experiences.

Accessible and Inclusive Equipment to Include in Your Playground

You can easily make any playground more accessible and inclusive. It may be a matter of adding a few new pieces of equipment to make a playground for people of all abilities. We’ll show you inclusive and ADA-compliant playground equipment to demonstrate it’s all within your reach.

Accessible and Inclusive Equipment includes: 

1. Ramps
2. Inclusive Slides
3. Ground-Level Play Activities
4. Sensory Activities
5. Inclusive Swings
6. Wheelchair-Accessible Equipment

1. Ramps

Ramps allow children to reach elevated play components and enjoy the view up high. When selecting ramps, look for ones that provide a space to turn around in a wheelchair. Handrails on both sides of ramps allow kids to effortlessly pull themselves along. Ramps are perfect for kids who are unable or do not want to use transfer systems.

2. Inclusive Slides

Slides add a lot of fun to a playground and promote the development of social skills and coordination. Children should be able to enjoy the freeing feeling of riding a slide at the playground. An accessible and inclusive slide makes it easy for children of all abilities to reach the top of the slide.

For example, our Avalanche Inclusive Slide, suitable for ages 5 to 12, offers a lower transfer point so kids can access the slide from ground level and pull themselves up by gripping the side rail. Once they reach the top, they can zoom down the spacious slide alongside siblings or friends.

3. Ground-Level Play Activities

Ground-level activities allow children to enter and exit equipment or structures at the ground level. When equipment is in the same play area, kids get to interact and play regardless of developmental or ability levels.

For example, our Ten Spin is designed for a person to easily transfer onto from their wheelchair and accommodates up to 10 kids at once, allowing them all to whirl and play together. You can easily add this freestanding piece of equipment to any playground to make it more inclusive.

4. Sensory Activities

Sensory activities not only support the needs of children with ASD, but they are also enjoyable for other kids and often easy to add to any playground. You might install a piece of musical equipment like our Concerto Chimes, so kids can explore different sounds and jam out to their unique tune.

Our Clover Leaf Sandbox offers multiple access points at the perfect height — kids can enjoy tactile play together, while still feeling comfortable in their personal space. To add excitement to your playground for everyone, consider our colorful Sensory Maze, which makes rainbows on the sidewalk as the sun shines through. Explore our sensory stimulation guide to learn more.

5. Inclusive Swings

There’s nothing more thrilling than gliding through the air on a swing and you can make it possible for playground users of all abilities. Swinging enables children with autism to process sensory information with soothing, repetitive motions. In addition, swinging helps kids improve motor skills and coordination.

For example, our Accelerator Swing is a group swing ideal for stimulating the vestibular sense and making friends. Another option is our ADA-compliant Inclusive Swing Seat, which offers extra support and security for a snug ride into the sky that kids can enjoy together. We even have an accessible zip line that uses the Inclusive Swing Seat, allowing everyone to fly from one area of the playground to the other.

6. Wheelchair-Accessible Equipment

Some children can’t transfer out of their wheelchairs, but they still want to play alongside their friends. Movement experiences are essential for them to develop coordination and balance. Choose a piece of equipment that a person in a wheelchair can easily roll onto, such as our Inclusive Whirl, which is a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round. Also, consider our Alta Glide Flex — an accessible glider.

As you can see, there are many simple ways to make a new or existing playground accessible and inclusive, as well as plenty of fun!

View Our Inclusive Catalog

Funding Opportunities for Accessible and Inclusive Playgrounds

If you’re concerned about budget, know there is plenty of financial assistance available to help you make your dream a reality. Many organizations support inclusive and accessible playgrounds and are happy to help and contribute some of their resources. For example, KaBOOM! is a nonprofit organization that offers several grant opportunities and resources to help build safe playgrounds. Feel free to explore our Playground Grant Resource Guide to learn more ways you can fund your inclusive and accessible playground.

In addition to applying for grants, you may want to try one of these funding tips: 

• Organize fundraisers: You can try various fundraiser ideas in your community to raise the capital for your new playground. In addition to securing funding through other methods, these fundraisers can significantly boost your efforts. Encourage community involvement by running a survey to determine which type of fundraiser they will likely support. By diversifying your fundraising activities, you not only increase your chances of reaching your financial goals but also foster a sense of community spirit and engagement.
• Reach out to your community network: The more people who know about your intention to raise money for playground equipment, the higher the chance of securing funds. Connect with caregivers and community leaders to see if they can refer you to organizations that will help your cause.
• Contact local news publications: Local newspapers and neighborhood newsletters that feature your playground initiatives assist in spreading the word. Reach out to publication representatives to see if they’d be willing to take on your story. Consult our Funding Resource Center for more resources on securing funding.

FAQs About Accessible and Inclusive Playgrounds

As there are several things to consider when designing an inclusive and accessible playground, we’ve put together some quick responses to common questions. Use this information to develop your play area ideas even further.

How Can Playgrounds Be More Inclusive?

From installing interactive playground equipment to considering caregivers’ needs in your design, we’ve covered many tips to make your playground more inclusive. One overarching guideline is to consider who will be using your playground when you plan your play area.

By taking note of children’s ages, interests and abilities, you’ll have the insights you need to create a more inclusive space. Similarly, taking caregivers’ comfort into account enables you to design spaces that accommodate them.

What Is the Difference Between Inclusive and Accessible Playgrounds?

Accessible playgrounds meet ADA regulations and allow kids of all abilities to access playground equipment. Inclusive playgrounds go one step further — aside from being ADA-compliant, they also facilitate play experiences where children can play together. For example, a sensory element like the Miracle Museum Grand Gallery prompts children with different abilities and even caregivers to interact.

Should Playgrounds Be Inclusive for Students of All Abilities?

While inclusive playgrounds are not a legal requirement, they offer many benefits to your community. Providing opportunities for children to play together helps foster teamwork, acceptance and social skills — the qualities that make for well-rounded kids.

View Inclusive Playground Equipment From Miracle Recreation

At Miracle Recreation, we offer high-quality, durable, safe and innovative playground equipment for kids of all abilities to enjoy. We take pride in finding solutions and making sure all kids get equal opportunities to grow and reach their potential. We design and build our equipment to meet or exceed safety standards while providing unique, thrilling and unforgettable play experiences for all. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our custom design team is happy to create inclusive playground equipment straight from your imagination.

Need help with the next step? Our representatives are well-versed in ADA requirements and inclusive play design and are excited to assist you. View our inclusive and accessible playground equipment, and contact us today!