September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 46

INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND DESIGN
When it comes to playgrounds,
such inclusive design should accommodate
everyone and challenge
them at their own developmental
level.
The goal of designing inclusive
playgrounds is to maximize each
facility's
usability by individuals
with a wide variety of characteristics.
Whether we are talking about
learning
strategies or physical
space, inclusive design operates by
a distinct set of principles designed
to maximize access and everyone's
enjoyment of a space.
As with many aspects of our
daily lives, one size does not fit all.
Well-designed outdoor play environments
must include a variety of
experiences, be accessible to people
with varying skill sets, and, most
importantly, they should be fun!
With each new universal design,
we have an opportunity to move
the
needle on what constitutes
a great playground. You simply
cannot make progress if it's not
compelling to people of all ages
and abilities. The experience must
appeal to people's sensory abilities
and preferences in terms of sound,
vision and touch, and be appropriate
for everyone, regardless of the
user's sensory abilities.
Let's look more closely at the
seven principles that govern universal
playground design.
Principle 1: Equitable Use
The design is useful and marketable
to people with diverse abilities.
Highlights:
* Provide the same means of use for
all users that are identical whenever
possible; equivalent when not
* Avoid segregating or stigmatizing
any users
* Make provisions for privacy, security
and safety equally available
to all users
* Make the design appealing to all
users
All users should use similar or
adjacent means of access when
playing. The experience of the
play features should appeal to a variety
of interests and needs. Physical
effort should be minimized
with light to moderate force, but
this doesn't mean it shouldn't involve
some level of risk. A variety
of means of approach to the
same element can be effective. For
example, a multilevel water table
should accommodate users of different
heights and abilities, including
those in wheelchairs.
Ensuring adequate clearance
for mobility devices is another important
component. One example
involves a tall slide that may be accessed
by a hillside scramble, a rope
ladder, and a sloped pathway so that
each individual arrives at the top by
whatever means best fits that person.
Principle 2:
Flexibility in Use
The design accommodates a wide
range of individual preferences and
abilities.
Highlights:
* Provide choice in methods of use
* Accommodate right- or
left-handed access and use
* Facilitate the user's accuracy and
precision
* Provide adaptability to the user's
pace
Flexible design in inclusive
playgrounds means that the design
accommodates a wide range of
individual preferences and abilities,
including low- to high-risk takers.
A play feature that includes
adaptable features for a range of
users
example, interactive elements,
will be most flexible. For
like
musical instruments, may be flush
with the ground to walk on or roll
over, at seated height for touch or
overhead to reach and stretch. The
output also should be varied (e.g.,
vibration and sound). Interactive
features, like hand bikes and balance
Flexible design in inclusive playgrounds
means that the design accommodates a
wide range of individual preferences and
abilities.
46 Parks & Recreation | SEP T EMBER 2 0 22 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G

September 2022 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2022 - Parks & Recreation

September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - Intro
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - Cover1
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - Cover2
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 1
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 2
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 3
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 4
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 5
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 6
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 7
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 8
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 9
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 10
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 10a
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 10b
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 11
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 12
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 13
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 14
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 15
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 16
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 17
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 18
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 19
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 20
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 21
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 22
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 23
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 24
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 25
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 26
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 27
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 28
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 29
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 30
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 31
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 32
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 33
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 34
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 35
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 36
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 37
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 38
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September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 41
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 42
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 43
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 44
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 45
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 46
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 47
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 48
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 49
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 50
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 51
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 52
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 53
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 54
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 55
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 56
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 57
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 58
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 59
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 60
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 61
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 62
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 63
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 64
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - Cover3
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - Cover4
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