Inclusive playgrounds often require a bigger budget than typical playgrounds. Small inclusive playgrounds usually range from $200,000 to $500,000, while large handicap-accessible playgrounds can cost from $750,000 to over $1 million. The estimated costs include, but are not limited to, playground equipment, installation, surfacing, and taxes.
Although the budget required for installing commercial playground equipment accessible to kids of all abilities may be substantial, the results in terms of children’s social development and community spirit will always be a worthwhile investment.
An inclusive playground in a public space reflects the community’s consideration and appreciation for the kids of all abilities living in the area. By introducing inclusive play spaces, children receive the following benefits:
The playground equipment for an inclusive play area is not too different from the components in a typical playground. It is equipped with additional features to increase accessibility and inclusion for children with special needs. Some recommended equipment includes:
Cover various seating options, such as adaptive seats, basket swings that could carry wheelchairs, expression swings, and other seats that could accommodate multiple children.
Feature wider designs, multiple climbing options, customized climbers, and side-by-side equipment for parallel play experiences.
Stimulate the multiple senses through physical, sensory, and cognitive activities such as play panels, music instruments, and balance equipment.
Serve as a safe area for children who tend to experience sensory overload and need some calming time before returning to playtime.
Connect with other children and foster diversity and teamwork through group activities such as multi-person spinners, group swings, and cooperative play structures.
Choose materials to make an impact-absorbing surface that is safe for children in case of falls and smooth enough for wheelchairs to cross
Incorporate ramps, transfer stations, and wider paths between elevated and ground play areas throughout the playground.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides guidelines and regulations that help create play areas accessible to children and users with disabilities. Once the commercial playground equipment incorporates the given guidelines as a minimum requirement according to the act, it becomes ADA-compliant. However, ADA playground equipment still has limitations in catering to a full spectrum of abilities, as only a certain percentage of play structures are accessible to children with special needs.
Accessible playgrounds go beyond ADA compliance and offer broader play experiences for kids of all abilities. They are usually identified by enhanced features and additional physical access to equipment.
Inclusive playgrounds are designed to encourage every child, regardless of their needs and abilities, to play together. This category covers a wider range of considerate playground equipment that addresses physical, social, cognitive, and sensory needs.
To give a clearer picture of the differences between the three playgrounds, here is a summary:
An inclusive playground is a wonderful and safe environment for every child with special needs, all of whom deserve to experience the joys of play and creation. Whether you have a budget for creating such a playground from scratch or have an existing play space that you wish to transform into an inclusive one, AAA State of Play is more than ready to walk you through your needs and allocated funds. Connect with us today, and let’s build more safe and inclusive play spaces for one differently-abled child at a time.
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
