December 2009 - Parks & Recreation - 46

GameTime

Universally
designed
Centennial
Playground in
Lakespur Park,
Bend, Oregon

Higher Standards

Not only do children with disabilities and their
Universal access playgrounds are a specific type families appreciate a playground that uses univerof playground that go beyond the basic definition sal design, but children without disabilities do too.
of " accessible. " All playgrounds must comply with " They all make friends and they have a good time
the Americans With Disabilities Act guidelines that and experience things they may not have had an opwere set in 2000 by the Access Board. Those guide- portunity to before, " says Shrake. " Inclusion teaches
lines dictate how many ramps, elevated platforms, acceptance to typically developing kids as well. We
and transfer stations as well as height and width re- have found that accommodations we make for chilquirements for all public play structures. However, dren with disabilities benefit other kids. "
a universal access playground exceeds those minimum standards, trying to provide as much accessibility to the play structures as possible.
The Center for Universal Design at NC State University defines universal design as " the design of
products and environments to be usable by all peoWhen designing playgrounds, the National
ple, to the greatest extent possible, without the need
Center on Accessibility provides seven guidfor adaptation or specialized design. " At Caitlyn's
ing principles to keep in mind.
Corral, that includes equipment such as swings
Equitable Use-the design can be used by
with extra head and leg supports and an interactive
people with a range of disabilities
maze that can be navigated by a child who is runFlexibility in Use-the design provides differning or one who is in a wheelchair.
ent choices for people with disabilities
Aron Hall, director of services at the nonSimple and Intuitive Use-the design is easy
profit National Inclusion Project, says besides it
to use and understand for people with different skills
being " the right thing to do, " universal design
Perceptible Information-the design can be
in playgrounds really brings the community
used regardless of sensory limitations
together. " If someone in your community
Tole ra nce for Error-the design minimizes
can't play, it really isn't a community playhazards
ground, is it? " he asks.
Low Physical Effort-the design can be used without
Amy Shrake, inclusion manager
the intended user becoming fatigued
at Bloomington, Indiana, Parks and
Size and Space for Approach of Use-the design is apRecreation agrees, adding, " Not
propriately spaced for a user with any mobility or reach
only are you not welcoming the
For more information on these principles, visit www.ncaonline.org.
individual with a disability, but
their entire family is excluded
from that facility-an entire segment of the population grows when you
add accessible facilities.

7 Principles of
Universal Design

44 Parks & Recreation

DECEMBER 2009

www.NRPA .ORG

December 2009 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of December 2009 - Parks & Recreation