Applying universal design principles to playgrounds means that more people will use them. That’s what a study of three playgrounds in the United States found. Two were standard playgrounds meeting ADA standards, and one was universally designed. Result? Not only did the universally designed playground receive higher use, there was also more physical activity overall.
There are many types of disability which means definitions of universal design are open‐ended. Consequently the outcomes are difficult to measure quantitatively, but not impossible. At least the move to make playgrounds more accessible has shifted assumptions that universal design is limiting.
100% of the elevated play components that are typically part of a modular play structure must be on the accessible route. But ADA standards require only 50%.
The three playgrounds in the study were of a similar character. Each had equipment of the same type and manufacturer, and the surfacing was the same including the colour.
What they found
The findings support the hypothesis that applying universal design principles can result in higher rates of playground use than those only meeting ADA standards. This counters the notion that such playgrounds are only for those living with a disability. The universally designed playground in this case study was found to be attractive to all users, It offered the same level of fun and challenge for children. The additional playground activity lead to increased physical activity in other areas of the park.
Another finding was that adults used the playground zones more than the researchers expected. Making them more comfortable for accompanying adults was the key. This last point is something that the Australian Everyone Can Play Guideline factored in from the beginning. Playspaces are for everyone regardless of age.
The title of the article is, Universal Design in Playground Environments: A Place‐Based Evaluation of Amenities, Use, and Physical Activity. It contains a good deal of statistical analysis and is useful for persuading funding bodies to take up a universal design approach to playgrounds and parks.
Everyone Can Play – but can they?
The Everyone Can Play guide was instrumental in initiating inclusive playgrounds in New South Wales. Taking a universal design approach underpinned this award-winning guide. However, the work of universal design is never done because there are always improvements to be found. Everyone Can Play guide is no exception.
Two researchers used the Everyone Can Play Evaluation Checklist as an assessment tool on playgrounds in Victoria and New South Wales. Destination playgrounds scored higher than neighbourhood playgrounds. Image from Everyone Can Play
Researchers found that the Checklist was not capturing the specific needs of different disabilities as the focus was on mobility. The areas in need of most improvement were wayfinding, layout, signage and sensory and cognitive play opportunities. The researchers note that families and children with disability were not included in the study.
As with all universal design guides, they are not prescriptive. Rather they invite designers to consider the diversity of the population. When it comes to specific disabilities, specific solutions, rather than generic solutions will be required.
The title of the research paper is, Evaluating the Accessibility and Inclusiveness of Community Playgrounds in Australia for Children with Disabilities. The paper includes recommendations to make playspaces more inclusive.
Caregiver perceptions of inclusive playgrounds
Interviews with caregivers revealed that they thought inclusive playgrounds promote physical and social accessibility for children with disability. They encourage social interaction and friendships among children with and without disability.
The title of the paper is, Inclusive Playgrounds: Caregiver perceptions of accessibility and use. The introduction and key information is open access but the full paper has a paywall. Or get free access to the full paper through an institution.
From the abstract
This research explored the caregivers’ perceptions of children’s social and physical accessibility in inclusive playgrounds. We conducted 11 in-depth interviews with caregivers regarding their perceptions of the accessibility and use of an inclusive playground by children with disabilities and how they perceive interactions between children with and without disabilities while using the playground.
From the interviews, two major themes emerged. The first was physical accessibility, with three minor themes emerging: a) safety and physical accessibility; b) sensory and cognitive safety; and c) variety and options. The second major category was social accessibility, with two minor themes: a) social interactions; and b) building friendships and practicing social skills.
Overall, the participants described the inclusive playgrounds as safe places that include varied play equipment. It encouraged children with and without disabilities to play together, interact verbally, and build immediate friendships.
The findings highlight the importance of inclusive playgrounds as a starting place for enhanced community relationships. We suggest conducting further research that focuses on children’s perceptions including a broader range of children with varying disabilities.
Playgrounds: universal design not enough
Universally designed playspaces bring play into the lives of families with disabilities. They also provide opportunities to champion disability advocacy, and support disabled children in developing critical social skills. However, additional work and resources are needed to achieve full social inclusivity.
Findings from a Canadian study can help guide designs of future playgrounds and other community spaces to improve inclusivity for everyone.
This paper begins with the playground experience and universal design and then applies this to other public spaces.
The title of the article is, Understanding the experiences of parents of disabled and non-disabled children at playgrounds designed for disability inclusion. There is no free access to this publication in Disability and Society. However, you can request full access from ResearchGate.
From the abstract
Disabled children and their families are often excluded from community play opportunities, including playgrounds. One potential solution is, of course, to design inclusive playgrounds.
This study explores the experiences of parents of disabled and non-disabled children at playgrounds inspired by Principles of Universal Design. Participants were 29 parents (16 with disabled children). They were located across four Canadian cities with newly built inclusively designed playgrounds.
Three themes were identified which provide deeper understandings of ableism in community playspaces and the impact on children and their families. 1. Inclusive playgrounds also act as a platform for disability advocacy. 2. They provide opportunities for social and emotional development. 3. Inclusive play may influence family dynamics.
Findings highlight the value of universal design, but indicate that physical environments alone do not ensure social inclusion, as social barriers can continue to exist even in spaces purposefully designed for disability inclusion.