Playing on the playground is an essential aspect of growing up for kids. It provides ample opportunity for them to develop critical social, emotional, and cognitive skills while engaging in much-needed physical exercise.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that every child should engage in 60 or more minutes of physical activity each day to stay healthy. Playgrounds are specially designed environments for this purpose!
To effectively fulfill their role, this arena of training and exercise must be made suitable for all kids, regardless of ability or special needs.
What Does It Mean To Be Inclusive?
An ideal playground is meant to give everyone a chance to learn, have fun and create happy memories in the great outdoors. However, only a few designers remember that children have different abilities and needs while designing a playground.
This can be quite challenging, especially for children with special needs, causing them to feel alienated from others. If you have already noticed these drawbacks in your playground, you must take steps to make it more inclusive. We have compiled a list to help you:
1. Allow Greater Accessibility
With the right equipment, you can make sure all kids can access all the fun. This includes kids with wheelchairs, crutches, or other mobility aids. Incorporate:
- Protective, shock-absorbing unitary surfacing;
- Wide and even movement routes;
- Broader and more even spaces;
- Smooth, even transitions on and off equipment.
2. Incorporate a More Inclusive Physical Play
Active play is the beauty of every playground, and no one should be left out. You should incorporate the following:
- Ground-level activities such as number boards, ziplines, play activity panels, ropes, musical instruments, and so on.
- Modified swings with enough support, such as freestanding saucer-type swings, adaptive swing seats that feature back support, and a harness allowing kids with special needs to swing right next to their peers.
- Bright colors that create a feeling of vitality and help children who have vision deficits distinguish different structures.
3. Create Diverse Social Environments
Depending on their stage of development and person, kids like to play in different ways. Some like to play games with their friends, while others want to play by themselves or just close enough to their peers. Be sure to get equipment that supports kids in each setting.
4. Provide Sensory Play Experiences
Sensory experiences enable kids with special needs to explore their environment more deliberately and develop motor skills. A 2021 report by the CDC states that 1 in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These kids need playground equipment that stimulates their senses and pushes them to be creative without overwhelming them. Examples are musical products such as drums, gongs, bells, and xylophones.
Contact Churchich Recreation For All Your Playground Needs
At Churchich Recreation and Design, we specialize in equipping communities in North and South Carolina with the most inclusive and memorable playground solutions. Whether you need to design from scratch or you need a professional upgrade on your existing playground, we are here to help you. Contact us today by filling out the quick contact form on our website or by calling us at (843) 757-3156.