74
LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS
not be left out of any playground. However, some are denied the opportunity to play because the design of the playground or the equipment on offer creates a barrier for them. Children who use a wheelchair, for example, may face accessibility issues, whereas autistic pupils might find busy spaces overbearing. A truly inclusive playground would ensure that all children could participate in outdoor play. The first thing to consider when looking at playground accessibility is whether children can get into and move around the space with ease. For this, pathways need to be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, be smooth and have gentle inclines to raised areas.
Not only should pathways enable children to get in and move around with ease, they should also help children in wheelchairs and those who have difficulty walking get directly to any of the equipment. Ideally, when creating the playground, you should locate popular equipment near the playground entrance or close to any pathway.
is a fundamental cornerstone of the best approach to play area design. By providing children with a place to
play, society is actively encouraging children to develop and grow, while allowing them to have fun.
A well-designed and well-equipped playground not only allows children to participate in high quality physical activity, but also encourages them to learn while they play. Outdoor play helps promote physical activity, excitement, social skills and positive behavioural changes, while promoting multi-sensory engagement. It is also important to note that, with thousands of children throughout the UK having physical disabilities or special educational needs, it’s vital that there is better access to accessible play. Inclusive play designs include products and equipment which allow children of all abilities to get involved on the playground. Inclusive play equipment offers choice and challenge, enabling children to play, laugh and learn together.
Playground designers should be dedicated to inclusive play, and strive to make all playgrounds inclusive to all children, regardless of ability, age, and gender. Children with restricted movement should
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
Another important consideration is playground surfacing. Some surfacing materials make it much easier for wheelchair users to move around on while others provide safer surfaces to fall on. Make sure you use the most appropriate surface for each area of your playground. When designing playgrounds with inclusivity in mind there are six elements that need to be considered: • movement: helps children to be aware of their joints and muscles;
• balance: contributes to physiological symmetry;
• smell: contributes to the enjoyment by enhancing social activities;
• touch: helps children learn the differences in texture, traction and pressure;
• sound: Helps cognitive progression by developing the ability to process;
• sight: aids and develops the visual sense allowing children to get the most out of their surroundings.
If designers are using these elements to inform their design strategy, then they are able to optimise all of the space and budget, in order to give the best outcomes for the children and the communities in which we all live.
Andrew Wood is CEO at ESP Play ADF MAY 2024
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
