September 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 51

OPERATIONS
How Inclusive Is Your Playground?
By Jonathan White, AIA, NCARB, and Danise Levine, AIA, CAPS
N
ew playgrounds often are promoted as inclusive, but how inclusive
are they, really? What is the difference between accessible
playgrounds meeting minimum legal requirements and
inclusive playgrounds? Let's explore this difference using a
case study of the Motion Junction playground in Canandaigua, New York.
Minimum Requirements for
Accessible Playgrounds
Accessible playgrounds comply with
sections §240 and §1008 of the 2010
Americans
with
Disabilities
Act
Standards. The standards require
50 percent of elevated play components
to be on an accessible route,
which can include a transfer system
(§1008.3) instead of a ramp, in some
cases (§1008.2.1). If there are no elevated
components, one of each type
of ground-level components must be
on an accessible route. The number
increases as elevated components
are introduced. For example, one
accessible ground-level component is
required if there are two to four elevated
components, but eight (of four
unique types) are required if there are
23 to 25 elevated components (table
240.2.1.2). Accessible components
must be dispersed throughout the
play area and comply with §1008.4.
Notable design criteria include
(see §1008 for all criteria):
* 60-inch minimum ground-level
accessible route width
* 1:16 maximum ramp slope
* 12-inch maximum rise per ramp run
* Handrail, seating and play-table dimensions
that accommodate size differences
between children and adults
Features of Inclusive
Playgrounds
Everyone Can Play is an inclusive playground
guidebook developed by New
South Wales (Australia) government
(tinyurl.com/4kpdx2d8). It asks
three questions: (1) Can I get there?,
(2) Can I play? and (3) Can I stay?
The latter question addresses the
need for restrooms, drinking water,
seating and shade. The National Study
of Playgrounds by Studio Ludo found
playgrounds with restrooms have 44
percent more users
(tinyurl.com/
3m4d256k). Playgrounds with mature
trees have double the number
of users. Such features make playgrounds
more enjoyable for everyone.
While minimum regulations
require access if these features are
provided, an inclusive playground
provides them. Everyone Can Play also
provides six principles for inclusive
playgrounds, all embodied at Motion
Junction:
* Find - Communicate the purpose
and location of play elements
and facilities. Motion Junction
uses a multisensory map, colorcontrasting
wayfinding
central
pathway,
system and signs
with pictograms.
* Fit - Provide a range of play opportunities
for people of all abilities
and sizes. Motion Junction provides
opportunities for users of different
age groups and abilities, such
as swings with traditional seats, two
attached seats, child-safety restraint
seats, a tire and mesh net.
* Choose - Enable exciting individual
experiences and social
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO, CENTER FOR INCLUSIVE DESIGN AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ACCESS
interaction. Motion Junction has
visual and auditory-play components
and communication boards
with images and symbols that allow
visual communication.
* Join - Create opportunities for
everyone to connect. Motion
Junction uses a smiley face on the
ground and " buddy bench " to help
children find and meet new friends.
* Thrive - Challenge and involve
people of all capabilities. Motion
Junction has a mindfulness path
that uses illustrations to encourage
engagement in activities along the
way (e.g., yoga, meditation, guided
imagery and positive affirmation).
* Belong - Create a place that is
welcoming and comfortable. Motion
Junction has a covered pavilion
with seating, charging stations,
an adult-sized changing table and
four family restrooms, each with
accessible adult- and child-sized
toilets and lavatories.
Jonathan White, AIA, NCARB, is Director of Design Consulting
at the University at Buffalo, Center for Inclusive Design and
Environmental Access (jrwhite2@buffalo.edu). Danise Levine,
AIA, CAPS, is Assistant Director of the University at Buffalo,
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access
(drlevine@buffalo.edu).
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | SEP T EMBER 2 0 2 3
| Parks & Recreation
51
Using the latest
research and guidelines,
playgrounds
can be designed to
exceed minimum
legal obligations
for accessibility and
create a unique,
inclusive playground
experience that enables
and empowers
all people.
http://tinyurl.com/4kpdx2d8 http://tinyurl.com/3m4d256k http://tinyurl.com/3m4d256k
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