GameTime Article Collection: Inclusive Playgrounds 101 by GameTime

Inclusive Playgrounds 101 GameTime Article Collection

About This Article Collection

Inclusive Playgrounds 101 In 2019, GameTime published a series of eight blog posts titled "Inclusive Playgrounds 101." These articles highlighted the research found in PlayCore's Me2: 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design™ - a research publication created in partnership with Utah State University Center for Persons With Disabilities. We've compiled those blog posts into this article collection to make it easy to read, learn, and apply the information to your park or playground project.

In this article collection, you'll discover essential research, inclusive play products, and videos that further explain the principles of inclusive playground design.

Blog Post 1 7 Principles: Unlimited Possibilities Originally published July 15, 2019 Designing Play Spaces for All Developed in partnership with Utah State University Center for Persons with Disabilities, PlayCore’s Me2: 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design is the definitive guidebook for creating play environments for people of all ages and abilities and creating inclusive communities through play. The book defines seven principles of inclusive playground design that strive to create a truly inclusive and embracing play experience to meet the developmental needs of the whole child and the whole community.

GameTime’s Commitment to Inclusion For more than four decades, GameTime has made accessibility and inclusion a cornerstone of our approach to developing playgrounds. The first commercially-available ramped play system was developed by GameTime, and we continue to innovate and design products to create equality and parity on the playground. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines specific requirements to make public places accessible. Merely making a playground accessible, however, is just a starting point. To create an inclusive space for people of all abilities, GameTime leans on the research in Me2® to ensure the play space is beneficial to the greatest number of people and to the fullest extent possible. Moving from accessibility to full inclusion is a process of intentional design choices to ensure everyone has an opportunity to play, and to enjoy the playground, together.

The principles found in Me2 help communities create play spaces that include everyone

Applying the 7 Principles Me2 takes the original seven principles of inclusive design, created for making public buildings accessible, and adapts them specifically to the playground. It describes the need for inclusive play, and the benefits realized by every member of the community. Moreover, it outlines how to create universally designed play environments to increase the “playability” for people of diverse abilities, age, race, gender, ethnicity, culture, and socioeconomic status. The process for GameTime begins with a conversation with community leaders, families and inclusion advocates to identify the needs of the people who will play on the playground. We work together to select appropriate play components, design the overall space and create a play experience that provides benefits across all five developmental domains: physical, social-emotional, sensory, cognitive and communicative. The research in Me2 makes it easy for GameTime and our customers to visualize the need, the solution and how an inclusive playground will benefit the whole child, the whole space and the whole community.

Partnering with GameTime for Inclusive Play Decades of experience, a passionate commitment to include everyone, and innovative products that create meaningful play experiences for all ages and abilities - these are the hallmarks of a GameTime partnership. Combined with the comprehensive research and design guidelines found in Me2, they represent the most complete solution for developing inclusive play spaces. Me2 describes how to add sensory-rich play Designing and building an inclusive experiences for people of all ages and abilities playground, however, is only one part of the equation. GameTime recognizes many communities don’t fully understand the need for inclusive play spaces. We host workshops and symposiums throughout North America for park and recreation professionals, educators, landscape architects, and inclusion advocates to train, equip and inspire. During these educational outreach events, PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research and Education (CORE) covers the research found in Me2, shares inspiring community stories and provides best practices for planning your inclusive play and recreation experience. And for customers who design an inclusive playground using Me2, we submit your project to PlayCore for consideration in the National Demonstration Site Program. National Demonstration Sites are recognized by PlayCore in regional and national press advisories, included in future educational sessions and integrated into an ongoing research initiative.

Inclusive Playgrounds 101

GameTime hosts workshops around the country to help communities implement the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design

Be Inspired and Inspire Others All around the world, GameTime has used the best practice research found in Me2 to create playgrounds that celebrate the abilities of all people, bring communities together and remove barriers to play. Our approach to inclusion is a way of thinking and making decisions so that everyone belongs. It’s about intentionally planning for the success of everyone.

Blog Post 2 Inclusive Playgrounds 101: Be Fair Originally published July 23, 2019

Be Fair We are frequently asked, “How do I design an inclusive playground?” or “what makes a playground inclusive?” These two questions are part of a larger conversation on the importance of inclusive play, and how to ensure people of all abilities can be included in play and recreation. The answer to these questions, as well as many others related to inclusive playgrounds, is found in the research that guides our inclusive play products Me2. Me2®: 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design® is a comprehensive guidebook for communities who want to create truly inclusive play and recreation spaces. Developed by PlayCore in partnership with Utah State Center for Persons with Disabilities, the seven principles are a critical first step in offering high-quality spaces where both physical and social inclusion can occur. No two universally-designed play environments are alike, but we know children want to be and feel fair, included, smart, independent, safe, active and comfortable during play. In this post, we will explore the first of those principles: Be Fair. To “be fair,” an inclusive play environment promotes equitable use for people with diverse abilities. It also encourages multi-generational play by supporting the active participation of individuals with diverse abilities, needs, and interests. In a playground design utilizing Principle 1, you will find opportunities for physical, social-emotional, sensory, cognitive and communication development throughout the play area. Multi-sensory activities that provide tactile, visual, auditory, motion and movement experiences, dramatic play opportunities for imaginative play, and cooperative play or gathering areas that promote socialization offer diverse play opportunities that address the needs of the whole child. Examples include accessible games and panels for dramatic play, multi-user swings and other motion activities, talk tubes, and other auditory elements. 6

Inclusive Playgrounds 101

Multi-generational components, such as musical instruments, also provide developmentally meaningful experience for people of all abilities. Selecting the right musical instruments can make a big difference in how people use and enjoy the experience. GameTime’s GT Symphony instruments feature our patented grip mallet to make it easy for users of all abilities to play instruments with chimes or bells. These instruments are installed at a 35-degree angle so they are comfortable for everyone. And the instruments are tuned to a pentatonic scale so every note always sounds right.

Multi-user swings like Expression Swing® Universal offer multi-generational play experiences that support social interaction and fun!

GT Symphony Instruments offer a comfortable, inclusive musical play experience for all ages and abilities

Finally, an inclusive play space where people can be and feel fair includes learning opportunities and programs to teach children and families how to successfully play together. GameTime offers a companion guide to Me2 called 2PlayTogether. The guide is a valuable resource for schools and organizations who work to create communities that care through character education. This resource equips programmers with tips and activities that will promote play, understanding, and fun between children with and without disabilities.

Blog Post 3 Inclusive Playgrounds 101: Be Included Originally published August 5, 2019 Be Included When people ask us “How do I design an inclusive playground?” we turn to the research found in Me2: 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design. At the core of our researchbased approach to inclusive playground design is the idea of including people of all abilities in the play experience. Rather than focusing on products or spaces designed specifically for persons with disabilities, true inclusion considers the whole child and every child. For that reason, the second principle in Me2 is “Be Included.” To “be included,” we create a play environment with activities that offer various types and forms of play such as dramatic play opportunities. Accessible telescopes, steering wheels, storefront panels and play houses all provide these fun, imaginative play options that encourage dramatic play among peers. Additionally, we add auditory panels, talk tubes and interactive panels that promote communication between all children and adults.

GameTime offers auditory panels which are touch sensitive and encourage dramatic play.

Being included also means providing ramps, links and transfer systems to make sure everyone has a chance to enjoy as many areas of the playground as possible and to the greatest extent possible. For example, GameTime invented the slide transfer. Slide transfers help users transfer from a mobility device into the top of the slide opening, creating an equal play experience for everyone. 8

Inclusive Playgrounds 101

Because we always strive to address the needs of every child throughout the inclusive play environment, we also select play components for beginner, intermediate and advanced skill levels, such as climbers at varying heights and degrees of challenge. Some of these climbers, like the Sensory Wave Climber, are designed at transfer height with grips and handholds to help people of all abilities to engage in play.

The Sensory Wave Climber is the industry's first climber for children of all abilities with an assortment of auditory, tactile and visual sensors

Finally, to “be included” we incorporate activities that promote fine and gross motor skills. Large, easy to use buttons and hand holds, touch-sensitive panels and auditory panels with adaptive switch capability are all part of play components that help children of all abilities play together while developing these important developmental skills.

Blog Post 4 Inclusive Playgrounds 101: Be Smart Originally published August 20, 2019

An Inclusive Playground is a Smart Playground One question we hear a lot about inclusive playgrounds is “How can I make sure an inclusive playground is beneficial for everyone?” That’s an important question to answer. In the past, playgrounds were often designed to meet the needs of a person or group of people with a specific disability. Some playgrounds added a few “accessible” play activities for children and families with special needs, but the majority of the play space was inaccessible. Neither of these approaches benefit the whole child or the whole community. That brings us to the third of the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design® - “Be Smart.” An inclusive playground designed to be smart addresses the needs of all children, regardless of ability. The design of the play area is simple and intuitive and makes it easy for everyone to understand where and how to play. For example, various colors, textures, patterns, or plantings can help visually organize the environment. Multi-sensory activities that offer auditory, tactile or visual features can reinforce positive play behaviors and understanding of cause and effect.

Inclusive Playgrounds 101

The use of color in the play surfaces and equipment can help define play areas and provide visual cues.

Finally, it’s important to define various play settings within the environment to intentionally set clear expectations and create easy to recognize play areas. Active play areas, such as swings, slide exits, or spinning activities are positioned to avoid user conflict. Passive play areas are positioned near other similar areas that can enhance play experiences. For example, a seat and table may be positioned close to a play house or store front panel. The main takeaway from this principle is this: Organize. Organize the play space in such a way that everyone knows where and how to engage in play. A confusing or complex play space inhibits children from enjoying play and realizing the benefits of inclusive play, but a well-defined play space builds confidence, promotes social and cooperative play and engages every member of the community.

Blog Post 5 Inclusive Playgrounds 101: Be Independent Originally published August 28, 2019

Independence Day for Play Children love to express their independence. It’s an important milestone in their overall development. An inclusive playground, therefore, should be a place where people of all abilities can access play as independently as possible. That brings us to Principle 4 of the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design® - Be Independent.

ADA-compliant surfacing, ramps and transfer systems make it possible for everyone to explore the play area.

Helping children experience independent play begins with giving them a clear direction. Instructional and directional signage is a great way to accomplish this. You can use signs or panels with words, pictures and/or symbols that help children find a preferred activity or help them communicate to friends and family. Accessible routes of travel throughout the play area are also essential to promote independence. Use ADA-compliant surfacing and provide ramped access to elevated play activities to support both physical access and social interaction between users. 12

Inclusive Playgrounds 101

Sensory Spinning Seat encourages cooperative play and engages the vestibular senses

Providing a sensory-rich environment encourages children to explore and discover the play area on their own. Find ways to include activities that provide auditory, visual and tactile feedback to help children understand the world around them. Sensory panels and musical instruments at ground level or on a play structure encourage social, cooperative play. Include play activities that offer vestibular (balance and movement) and proprioceptive (motor planning) benefits. Swinging, rocking and spinning activities are all excellent options for providing sensory rich input.

Finally, consider designing with products that promote independent play such as slide transfers or adapted climbers. Play panels that incorporate adaptive switch technology are ideal for people with limited gross and fine motor skills. These types of products allow people of all abilities to enjoy, manipulate, and interact with fun play activities designed to facilitate active participation. Here’s the point: If you design a space that communicates what to expect, what to do, and how to participate in play, you will support a child’s self-determination and independence. A play environment like this builds confidence and fosters positive self-esteem. This is a place where everyone can be independent.

Blog Post 6 Inclusive Playgrounds 101: Be Safe Originally published September 3, 2019

Physically and Emotionally Secure When it comes to designing inclusive play environments safety and compliance are essential. A compliant and thoughtfully designed play space helps children and families feel emotionally, socially, and physically secure. It also encourages children to explore, engage in developmentally appropriate risks, and gain skills and confidence through play. That’s why this week we are talking about the fifth of the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design - “Be Safe.” To create such a play area, select age appropriate play equipment and amenities that support personal growth and development. Reducing potential hazards should be a priority in the overall design of the play environment. Clearly denote each area within the playground with signs or labels that designate areas for preschool age children and school age children, and provide comfortable seating and supervision areas with clear visibility.

Clearly marking play areas for different age groups is essential to a playground where children can “Be Safe”

Some parents have concerns about children running away, sometimes called “elopement,” or leaving the play areas without supervision. Consider installing your playground away from roads and parking areas and find ways to create natural or manufactured boundaries to discourage children from leaving the playground unattended.

Reducing physical hazards is important, but equally important is finding ways to provide elements to support emotional well-being. Children who feel emotionally secure on the playground can process the environment and engage in more meaningful experiences. Provide seating or natural observation points next to dramatic play, music or other active areas to intentionally draw children into play. These “jump-in” points allow children to watch, learn and gain understanding until they are emotionally ready to engage. Cozy areas integrated within the play space off areas for children to retreat, seek sensory relief, and re-engage when they are ready.

Inclusive Playgrounds 101

GameTime publishes Playground Maintenance and Supervision Guides and makes them available free of charge. Request yours today!

Proper and regular maintenance of the playground is also important. Develop a maintenance plan to help ensure the playground equipment is in working order at all times. Supervision during play is also essential to create a safer play experience. Provide comfortable seating and supervision areas with clear visibility, so caregivers and family member can remain confident and secure while children independently engage in free play. GameTime publishes comprehensive maintenance and supervision guides and provides them free of charge. Conclusion: Being safe involves well-maintained and compliant play equipment, but it also includes designing a play space based on best practices for creating a socially and emotionally secure environment. By planning your inclusive playground thoughtfully, you can provide children and families of all abilities a fun place where they can feel and “be safe.”

Blog Post 7 Inclusive Playgrounds 101: Be Active Originally published September 9, 2019

Active Play for All Physical development is one of five key developmental domains to consider when designing an inclusive playground. An active, inclusive playground is a place where gross and fine motor skills can be enhanced while children are at play. Motor skills allow children to make purposeful movements and learn the physical characteristics of self and the environment. Gross motor development involves the large muscle groups, such as those in the trunk and legs. Gross motor skills are used in walking, climbing, jumping, etc., and give way to more complex movements that promote physical activity such as biking, dancing, swinging, etc. Fine motor development involves small muscle groups, such as those found in the fingers and tongue. Fine motor skills are used to grasp and manipulate objects and are critical to developing hand-eye coordination and speech.

A playground designed to address the physical development of all children may include accessible surfacing, pathways for wheeled-toy play, play panels which help children develop fine motor skills, opportunities for swinging, sliding, spinning, balancing and other activities along graduated levels of challenge. To ensure everyone can enjoy the play space and be active to the greatest extent possible, we consider three specific elements in the design of an inclusive playground: 16

Inclusive Playgrounds 101

Provide accommodations such as high backs and molded seats to help children maintain a neutral body position during movement experiences. Many children need additional trunk support when using motion play activities, such as whirls or swings. Include play products that offer molded seats that are comfortable and accommodating for a wide range of ages and body types. Also provide products that feature high backs or side rails to help children maintain an upright position during play. These accommodations help children of all abilities to play together.

Molded seats with a high back make this zip track ride more inclusive for children of all abilities

Include equitable alternatives to common play experiences, such as upper body activities. All children love to move, climb and explore a playground. Make sure everyone is able to share in the experience and receive the benefits of play with products that address the physical needs of all children and provides healthy physical activity. For example, a roller table is a freestanding activity that helps develop upper body strength as children pull themselves along the rollers. Therapeutic rings at an accessible height offer an advanced upper body activity and accommodates a wider range of users.

A roller table is an inclusive activity that promotes upper body strength in children of all abilities

Design the play environment to include balanced play experiences that promote social inclusion and encourage cooperation. Cooperative play activities reinforce positive interactions between children as they work together to drive the action or engage in the activity. Some examples include SeeSaws, rocking events and objects that require children to turn or rotate an item together. Provide accessible versions of these activities so everyone can join in the fun and participate together.

Activities like the Rock N Raft promote cooperative, social play for everyone

Here’s the Bottom Line: An efficient play environment designed to promote active play improves the overall health and well-being of a community. With thoughtful design based on research and best practices, you can create a fun and active place where children and families can “Be Active” more often and for longer periods of time. 17

Blog Post 8 Inclusive Playgrounds 101: Be Comfortable Originally published September 19, 2019

Be Comfortable One of the key elements of making a play environment inclusive is creating a place that is comfortable for all users. Principle 7, “Be Comfortable,” addresses this very issue. The research, provided by Utah State University Center for Persons with Disabilities, describes the appropriate size and space that should be provided for approach and use so the play environment is comfortable for individuals with diverse sensory needs, body size, posture, mobility, environmental sensitivity, and motor control. Moreover, a play environment designed with Principle 7 in mind, recognizes the diversity of individual abilities and creates an environment which encourages users to stay longer and visit often. Here’s a closer look at how to design comfortable and inclusive play environments.

Approach & Reach Ranges When designing an inclusive playground, consider the approach and reach for individuals who are seated or standing. Offer “half panels,” balcony panels, or activities with adequate space underneath that allow individuals using a mobility device to approach and easily reach the play activity while facing forward. Music activities, talk tubes, and other freestanding components should also be installed at appropriate heights for intended users’ age ranges to facilitate ease of use and enjoyment.

Include ground-level, accessible activities that provide front-reach capability

Space for Movement & Gathering As in most places, people need space to feel comfortable. On a playground, that means planning an appropriate amount of space for multiple users to engage in a play activity, assistive devices/equipment used by people in, on and around the playground, and/or personal assistance both on a play structure and at ground level. 18

Design adequate space in the play area and include spacious play activities for multiple users

Inclusive Playgrounds 101

Help Manage the Environmental Conditions One of the most effective ways to ensure the comfort of people in a recreation area is to balance exposure and relief to environmental conditions such as sunlight, shade, water, and wind. Start with using natural shade, such as existing or planted trees. Studies show naturalized play environments provide a wide range of social-emotional benefits for children and adults.

If natural shade is not an option, consider freestanding or integrated shade structures to offer relief from direct sunlight. Also look at other cooling options such as zerodepth water areas and/or water misters for cooling to meet the needs and preferences of diverse users.

Shade structures on and throughout the play area keep people cool and comfortable, promoting longer periods of play

Don’t Stop with Play Equipment Round out the play environment with other amenities within comfortable proximity that will meet the various needs of users of all ages and abilities to enhance the user experience and promote interaction. Consider accessible water fountains, restrooms with adjustable changing tables and other care amenities, and accessible parking in close proximity to the play space. If possible, consider public transportation options available in your area when selecting a site for your inclusive playground. Part of making a space accessible is making sure people of all socioeconomic backgrounds can actually access the space.