5 Ways Inclusive Playgrounds Benefit Communities

When we’re all included, we all win! That’s the philosophy behind our commitment to building inclusive playgrounds. But what exactly makes a playground inclusive? From an equipment standpoint, it means a playground has something to offer to every child who visits it, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. To use just a couple of examples, this equipment could be wheelchair accessible swings or sensory panels.

These playgrounds play an important role in bringing communities together. When an environment celebrates all kinds of diversity, strong bonds are made, and kids develop a compassionate understanding that everyone is different. These benefits reach beyond the moment-to-moment activities on a playground, too. We want to take a moment to discuss how inclusive playground equipment can be a springboard for childhood friendships, community cohesion, and much more. 

Promotes Social Interaction

Inclusive playgrounds provide plenty of encouragement for kids to come together. Though they may journey to this social hub wanting to experience the thrills of swinging and sliding, they often leave having had plenty of great interactions with their peers. When these playgrounds offer something for every kid, it means no child is left out of the fun. When there’s fun to be had for everyone, even the most stubborn social barriers begin to break down, encouraging the inclusivity necessary for friendships to be made.

When children with and without disabilities begin spending their time in the same places, great things can happen. The isolation that may otherwise be felt by children with disabilities is not present, and empathy begins to become a part of every child’s mindset. Communication and cooperation are further boosted when several backgrounds find common ground in a play area. It’s a place where wonderful memories will be made.

Supports Physical Development

Physical development in children is important regardless of their abilities. Inclusive playground equipment is designed to accommodate different mobility levels, meaning every child has a chance to participate. When this kind of physical activity is encouraged, a child’s mind will run wild as a result of all the options available to them. They’ll be more likely to engage in active play, which is important to their physical wellbeing.

An ideal playground will offer accessible playground equipment that focuses on motor skills—fine and gross. Whether it’s a climbing structure or sensory play panels, valuable improvements are being made while the kids are having a blast!

Enhances Cognitive and Sensory Experiences

Slides and swings will always have their rightful place on the playground, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for cognitive stimulants, as well. Textured surfaces, musical instruments, and interactive panels (like tic tac toe board) provide a big boost to the imaginative power of a child’s mind. Learning is made fun thanks to all of these innovative options available to playground visitors.

While this kind of accessible playground equipment is exciting for every child, children with sensory processing disorders will find big benefits here. When there’s an opportunity for a calm, stimulating play space, they’ll be learning and engaging in a way that’s helpful to them.

Strengthens Community Bonds

Earlier, we touched on the playground’s status as a community hub of sorts. Children frequently go there, but their parents are usually nearby. When the equipment offers so much variety, the conversations (and even friendships) you may strike up could surprise you. While that sense of belonging that every child wants can be found in the play area itself, it extends to the benches and picnic tables nearby. This means deeper understanding and acceptance among the parents as well. You get a better idea what other parents’ lives are like.

Not only are these one-on-one interactions important, but there’s an opportunity to turn a playground into a focal point for bigger community events. Cookouts, field days, and fundraisers can turn into huge success stories when an inclusive playground is part of the affair.  

Increases Accessibility and Safety

While these playgrounds are designed with accessibility in mind, safety is equally important. These two things go hand in hand, as an “accessibility” feature that puts a child at risk isn’t truly accessible. That’s why wheelchair ramps have to adhere to regulations regarding grade, width, and other features. Sure, a steep ramp could technically support a wheelchair, but it presents a safety issue that can’t be ignored. 

Luckily, all of our inclusive playground equipment follows every safety guideline so the children looking for adventure can find it without putting themselves at risk. And the safety aspect doesn’t stop at the equipment itself. Modern playgrounds prioritize safety surfacing that will minimize impact should a child fall, and many even focus on materials that don’t get too hot for them to play on. Parents and caregivers can rest easy knowing their children are having fun without being in danger of injury.

Conclusion

Inclusive playgrounds are the future of childhood fun. By improving social interaction, physical development, sensory experiences, and community bonds, they can help every child feel like they belong and give them the means to have a great experience every time they visit. If you want to help the kids in your community play, learn, and grow together, get in touch with us at Metro Recreation. On our inclusive playgrounds, every child is a winner.