Inclusive vs. Traditional Playgrounds

A playground creates invaluable memories and learning opportunities for children and adults alike. It’s a space that allows kids to express themselves, build meaningful friendships, and gain a hunger for the adventure the world has to offer. Unfortunately, some playgrounds don’t provide that experience for all kids.

That’s where inclusive play areas come in. Unlike traditional playgrounds, inclusive play areas offer children of all abilities a way to experience the joys and benefits of playing outdoors. Learn more about inclusive playgrounds vs. traditional playgrounds and why investing in an inclusive space for your community is well worth it.

What Are the Differences Between Inclusive and Traditional Playgrounds?

A traditional playground features a variety of play equipment to entertain and educate children. These play elements might include slides, monkey bars, swings, and seesaws. A traditional playground might feature different obstacles for kids of different ages to try and align with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines — but that’s often where the inclusion stops.

An inclusive playground goes above and beyond ADA guidelines to create a play space that accommodates and welcomes everyone. These play areas use equipment that children of all abilities can use and enjoy. Additionally, inclusive playgrounds provide a range of play experiences suitable for different age groups and stages of play:

• Unoccupied play: This is non-social, random play most often practiced by infants.
• Independent play: This is non-social play that’s more structured. It involves a child of any age playing alone with a parent or guardian nearby.
• Onlooker play: This is semi-social play in which the child watches others play but doesn’t engage — they may have a conversation about the play without actually getting involved.
• Parallel play: This is semi-social play in which children engage in different activities but are close to each other. It’s a transitioning stage between the solitary and cooperative types of play.
• Associative play: This is social play in which the child is interested in interacting with others, but the activities aren’t in sync.
• Cooperative play: This is social play in which children are interested in interacting and communicating with one another and engaging in shared activities like playing rule games or dramatic play.

Breakdown of Inclusive vs. Traditional Playground Equipment

In a comparison of inclusive and traditional playgrounds, inclusive playgrounds offer more fun experiences and learning opportunities for more children. While they may look similar at first glance, the experience they provide for children of various backgrounds is different.

Most playgrounds, including traditional and inclusive setups, have the following:

• Play equipment like slides and climbing structures
• Amenities like benches, drinking fountains, and picnic tables

This kind of equipment can accommodate many kids, but not all of them. As a result, children with different abilities are left without safe, enjoyable, and memorable ways to play.

However, inclusive playgrounds go further with components that keep every child in mind. For example, children who use mobility devices may not be able to navigate a traditional playground safely. At an inclusive playground, they would have access to ground-level playground activities and modified equipment they can use with ease.

What Are the Common Features of an Effective Inclusive Playground?

So, how do inclusive play areas specifically meet the needs of kids of all abilities? Typical inclusive play designs include the following features:

Unitary Playground Surfacing

A unitary surface is made of shock-absorbing materials that helps reduce the risk of serious head injury. It’s smoother, stable surface allows for easier navigation of strollers, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices. This surfacing provides a safer play experience for all kids while making it easier for children using mobility devices to navigate the play area.

Fencing

A secure fence surrounding the play area prevents children from unknowingly wandering into potential danger. It can also make some children feel safer in the space, allowing them to feel more comfortable while playing.

Social Play Areas

Inclusive playgrounds allow children of various abilities to socialize with each other. They don’t create restrictions but promote cooperative play by enabling kids to use their imaginations together.

Calming Spaces

Some children, like those with autism and other sensory disorders, require a quiet, solitary area for a brief respite. They may become overwhelmed with the noise and activities and need an area to regroup before rejoining the activity. Inclusive playgrounds offer these spaces so kids can recharge and return to playing when they’re ready.

Sensory Equipment

Not all kids are entertained by swings and slides — some prefer different sensory equipment like musical play instruments or other creative elements. Inclusive playground equipment engages most of the sensory systems, including:

• Auditory
• Tactile
• Vestibular
• Proprioceptive
• Visual

Easily Navigable Routes

The entrance and exit routes on play structures and within the playground need to be wide enough for children who use mobility devices. There should also be more than one entry and exit point to accommodate multiple people at once.

Varying Challenge Levels

The play area should be easy to enjoy for kids at lower developmental stages and challenging enough for kids at higher developmental stages. It should offer graduated levels of cognitive and physical challenges, so kids can experience play in a balanced and beneficial way.

What Are the Benefits of Inclusive Playgrounds?

Inclusive playgrounds offer many benefits for children of all abilities, including:

• Children of varying abilities can build confidence and friendships in a welcoming, comfortable space.
• A sensory-rich environment cultivates cognitive and creative abilities that last a lifetime.
• Children can learn how to resolve conflicts peacefully by spending time with kids of various backgrounds.
• Children can learn the importance of embracing diversity.
• Children of all abilities can create lifelong memories of playing on the playground.

Building inclusive community playgrounds also has several advantages for the area, such as increased property values and neighborhood foot traffic. As a result, the entire town can benefit from a play space that welcomes all.

Inspire Wonder With Little Tikes Commercial

At Little Tikes Commercial, we specialize in creating playgrounds that show kids of varying abilities, ages, and backgrounds the magic of play. We are passionate about building spaces where kids can develop the skills they need to thrive.

Our playgrounds are not just accessible — they’re inclusive. Children can feel empowered to engage their creativity and develop essential life skills. Feel free to get in touch with us or submit a quote request, and let us help you build an inclusive playground that creates fond memories for all kids.

Note: Little Tikes Commercial is aware of the debate in the autism community over the use of identity-first (autistic person) and person-first (person with autism) language. While there is no language that fits both sides of the debate, we know the choice is a highly personal one, especially for individuals in the autism community. Little Tikes Commercial uses a combination of person-first and identity-first language.