Inclusive design helps create playgrounds that are suitable for everyone
Accessibility has been a talking point in Finland for a long time. Internationally, the expressions ‘design for all’ and ‘inclusive design’ are often used in conjunction with the topic. Both of these concepts refer to strategies and measures that are used to promote usability and accessibility to all users. One of the principles of these approaches is to include different users in all stages of the planning.
The aim is to offer all people equal opportunities to participate in the society on all its levels through inclusive design.
Taking inclusive design into consideration when choosing playground equipment is important. The entire playground and all its equipment should be accessible to all users. However, it is not enough to consider accessibility and inclusion in conjunction with single pieces of equipment; inclusive design has to be observed in the overall plan for the playground.
Elements of playgrounds and play equipment designed for everyone
When designing a playground for everyone, it is important to think about how people with various limitations can use the playground independently. The following best practices should be taken into consideration during planning.
Sufficient colour and tone contrasts, good lighting
Play equipment should be available in various colours and tones. It is important that the contrast between the equipment and the background is good; for example, if a product is placed next to a green shrub, people with impaired vision should also be able to discern it from the shrub. The ground (safety surface) under the equipment, as well as the passageways, should also contrast in tone with the rest of the area. A tonal contrast zone around the equipment also lets people with impaired vision know that the products are near.
The parts of each product should also be easy to differentiate – for instance, the tonal contrast between the support poles and the rest of the product should be prominent.
Playgrounds and equipment areas should be well lit.
Passageways and their materials
The surface of the passageways on playgrounds should be hard, even and nonslip, and it should stand out from the environment through its tonal and/or material contrasts. Passageways should be wide enough for unrestricted passage with a wheelchair and any other auxiliary equipment. To facilitate moving around, handrails by the passageways are a good idea. The passageways should be well lit.
Any ramps on the passageways should be of sufficiently low gradient – preferably sloping no more than 6%. If there is a chance of slipping off the ramp, the ramp should be equipped with elevated edges.
Seats, tables and platforms
A playground should offer seats of various heights, with backrests and armrests – something for people of all ages and heights.
Slides should be wide enough for a guardian or assistant to accompany an impaired person. Playhouses should be accessible by wheelchairs. The visibility of the first step of each product should be improved with contrast colours and lighting.
Many products are equipped with poles, which can be used as support (steps, climbing frames) or as handles to hold on to to stay on the equipment (carousels). For a child to be able to get a sturdy grip on a pole, it should be narrow enough for a child’s hand.
A playground should have instructions, which can be visual, aural or tactile. The instructions should serve all people with impairments, and they should explain what the playground offers and where the passageways are. Tactile instructions, with embossed elements and Braille, should be available for people with impaired vision.