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?
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