If You Want to Build THE MOST Inclusive Playground, Do These 6 Things

If You Want to Build THE MOST Inclusive Playground, Do These 6 Things

If your goal is to create a playground where every child truly belongs, AND where every adult can play alongside their child, your design must go beyond ADA compliant checkboxes. It must invite, engage, and empower disabled and non-disabled kids, and their caregivers. Here are six necessary features to make sure your playground is as inclusive as your intentions.

1. Fully Fenced

Safety is foundational, especially for kids who are prone to wander, elope, and run. A secure fence gives peace of mind to caregivers and helps every child enjoy playing more freely and confidently.

2. Accessible Bathrooms with a Universal Changing Station

Kids with disabilities grow into teens and adults with disabilities and they deserve dignity. A universally designed family restroom with a full-size changing table makes your playground truly usable for everyone. Because what good is a playground if families cannot STAY and PLAY?

3. Shade, Shade, Shade

I can't stress this enough: shade is essential. Not just for comfort, but for safety. Slides, swings, handrails (when unshaded) can reach skin-burning temperatures in hot months. As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how hot equipment can ruin a play experience. My toddler frequently cries because the slide is too hot to use. This literally deters families from visiting, especially those with health conditions exacerbated by heat. Let’s prioritize shade structures over seating, play equipment, and especially slides so that everyone stays safe, cool, and included year-round. 

4. Actually Accessible Surfacing (Not Just ADA Minimums)

Loose mulch may be technically compliant, but it’s a nightmare for wheelchairs and walkers, and falling toddlers. Choose actually accessible surfacing like cork,  poured-in-place rubber or turf that allows smooth, safe movement for all.

5. A Wide Range of Inclusive Play Equipment Spread Throughout the Playground

True inclusion doesn’t mean sticking a few inclusive pieces in one corner. It means designing a playground where inclusive features exist at every level of play, and throughout the entire space allowing all children to play with each other throughout the play space. That means:

• Zero-entry equipment that invites independent discovery

• Multiple swing types, including adaptive and high-back seats

• Musical elements and sensory panels for kids who benefit from sound, texture, and creative expression

• Quiet or calm-down spaces, for children who may experience sensory overload

• Play opportunities at ground level and elevated levels connected with wide, gently sloping ramps whenever possible

• Layouts that promote interaction without isolating kids with different support needs.

6. A Communication Board

AAC users deserve to engage in play too! A picture-based communication board with symbols can help children share their needs, make friends, and fully participate.

When we design with access and participation first, we make the world better for everyone,  not just people with disabilities.

💬 Are you working on an inclusive playground project in your community? Please tell me all about it below. I’d love to follow along and cheer you on!

Let’s create playgrounds that reflect the whole community.  Where every person belongs, and every child gets the chance to play. Share this post and spread the word!

P.S. if you LOVE inclusive playgrounds as much as me, check out the children's book I wrote called Louie's Together Playground!