September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 50

OPERATIONS
Clarksville, Indiana, Commits to Inclusivity
By BJ Nelson Lynton, CPRP, AFO
E
xciting changes are underway at Ashland Park in Clarksville,
Indiana. The Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department has
opened a new ADA-accessible playground. Funded by a grant
from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and administered
by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, this project marks a significant
step forward in creating inclusive play spaces.
The previous playground, installed
in 1995, was overdue for replacement.
When the opportunity for a
new playground arose, we knew inclusivity
had to be at the forefront
of our design. With nearly $600,000
allocated for the new playground, we
also realized we had to replace the
old mulch with new surfacing.
Welcoming All
Our primary goal was to eliminate
barriers
that
prevented
ment as much as their peers. Ramps
provide smooth transitions to elevated
play structures, allowing all
children to explore and interact at
different heights. Low entry points
on swings,
slides and interactive
children
with disabilities from fully participating.
We incorporated ramps
and low entry points so that children
who use wheelchairs or other
mobility devices could access the
playground and enjoy the equippanels
allow children with limited
mobility to engage with these features
without undue strain. These
adjustments create a welcoming
and inclusive environment.
The surface of a playground is
another critical factor in accessibility.
Traditional surfaces like sand,
wood chips or gravel can be difficult
for children with mobility aids.
I learned about unitary surfaces
during our playground planning
process. These surfaces, such as
poured-in-place rubber,
interlocking
tiles, and synthetic turf or grass,
offer a stable, even surface that is
easy for wheelchairs and other mobility
devices to navigate. This also
reduces the risk of trips and falls,
creating a safer environment for
all children. Due to budget constraints,
we opted for synthetic turf
surfacing.
When children of all
abilities play together,
they learn social skills,
such as empathy,
cooperation and understanding.
Benefits
of Inclusive Play
Inclusive playgrounds extend beyond
physical accessibility. When
children of all abilities play together,
they learn social skills, such as
50 Parks & Recreation | SEP T EMBER 2 0 2 4 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
empathy, cooperation and understanding.
Inclusive
playgrounds
foster an environment where differences
are celebrated, and children
learn to appreciate diversity from
a young age. Additionally, inclusive
play promotes physical health
and mental well-being. Active play
aids in physical development, coordination
and overall fitness. For
children with disabilities, ensuring
access to play structures that cater
to their needs can significantly improve
their quality of life.
Creating an
inclusive
and
ADA-accessible playground benefits
the children who use it and the community
as a whole. It reflects a commitment
to inclusivity and equality,
showcasing the community's dedication
to providing for all its residents.
These spaces become community
hubs where families can gather, socialize
and support one another.
Inclusive playgrounds raise
awareness about the importance
of accessibility, encouraging other
public spaces to adopt similar practices.
They set a standard for future
projects, inspiring a more inclusive
approach to community planning
and development.
I am proud to be part of a community
that values every child's
right to play. Our new playground
at Ashland Park is a testament to
our commitment to inclusivity and
a welcoming space for all.
BJ Nelson Lynton, CPRP, AFO, is
Superintendent at Clarksville (Indiana)
Parks and Recreation (bnelson@
clarksvilleparks.com).
PHOTO COURTESY OF KAYLA TATGENHORST, CLARKSVILLE
(INDIANA) PARKS AND RECREATION
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation

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