One of the great joys of your local playground is allowing children to play outdoors, but the constant exposure to the elements also means that it is inevitable that a day will come when you must update your existing playground.
Experts say that playground equipment updates should be performed every 8 to 10 years to keep them maintained, but depending on usage, weather and the quality of equipment, your playground may go 15 or 20 years before needing updating.
There is a fine line, however, between stretching the life of your playground equipment and keeping children safe. Once your playground equipment starts to deteriorate it is time to update.
Other than wear and tear, your existing playground may need an overhaul because its goals and designs are out-of-touch with current theories and objectives in play.
Older playgrounds, for example, may not have been designed with inclusive play in mind.
Playgrounds for All Supports Five Fundamentals
It is natural to ask: “Our playground is accessible, so doesn’t that mean it already is inclusive?”
The answer is that, while having a playground designed with mobility impairments is very important, inclusive play is about more than accessibility.
“An inclusive playground is intentionally designed so that children of all ages and abilities can play, be challenged, and have fun together,” says Miracle Recreation, which offers a variety of inclusive playground equipment solutions. “
An inclusive playground empowers all children, regardless of their ability, age, or stage of development to reach their full potential, often in unique ways.
Miracle Recreation’s inclusive Playgrounds for All programs supports five fundamentals:
- Provides Multi-Sensory Play: The benefits of sensory play tackles obesity while promoting social and cognitive development.
- Encourages All Kids to Play: Playgrounds should be a space where children of all ages and abilities can come together and have fun.
- Allow Greater Accessibility: Children with wheelchairs, crutches and different ranges of motion should be able take advantage of playground equipment.
- Support Kids on the Autism Spectrum: Children on the Spectrum need equipment that stimulates the senses without overwhelming.
- Creative Welcome Social Environment: One size does not fit all when it comes to playgrounds. Some children want to interact while others want to play alone.
“Inclusive playground design goes beyond wheelchair-accessible and handicapped playground equipment only; truly inclusive playground equipment includes systems and components that allow all children to play together in a rich and engaging way. In an inclusive play space, children of different abilities can play together, ensuring no one is left out,” says Miracle Recreation.
Ways to Make Your Existing Playground More Inclusive
There are many options available when it comes to making your existing playground more inclusive.
Addressing the five fundamentals above, you could do the following to make your existing playground more inclusive:
- Encourage multi-sensory play by installing popular sensory play products such as Miracle Museum, Miracle Recreation Sensory Panels, Reflex, Inclusive Whirl, Alta Glide Inclusive Glider and Alta Glide Flex, Roller Slide, Viper Rope Swing, Concerto Outdoor Musical Equipment, GlideAlong, Ten Spin, Mini City, Inclusive Swing Set, and Accelerator Swing.
- Install equipment that offers choices for multiple age groups. Miracle Recreation divides play equipment into three age groups: 2 to 5 years; 2 to 12 years; and 5 to 12 years. Make sure all three age groups are represented in your upgrade.
- Ensure that your playground has smooth, even transition zones on and off equipment and wide movement routes to allow for greater accessibility. This is the time to upgrade to protective, shock-absorbing unitary surfacing if not currently installed.
- While the impulse may be to install playground equipment that “wows” the public, consider those on the Autism Spectrum and design quiet, cozy spaces that will make them feel welcome. Also establish perimeter paths and fences and a wayfinding system that includes an orientation path.
- Make sure that new equipment installed covers all stages of play including: Solitary Play, Onlooker Play, Parallel Play, Associative Play, and Cooperative Play.
Turning your existing facility into a more inclusive playground will help captivate the imagination and develop the abilities of all the children in your community.
Contact Churchich Recreation today for ideas on how to transform your existing playground and make it more inclusive with memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences.