What is an Accessible Playground?

An accessible playground ensures that all areas and equipment can be accessed or reached by children or adults with physical disability who use wheelchairs or other types of mobility devices. The idea of accessible play involves creating a playground that will enable children and adults to get to play equipment. Accessibility should be taken into account in relation to the design and construction of the playground structure.

What is an Inclusive Playground?

An inclusive playground considers not just physical access, but also emotional, social, and psychological benefits of play.  It encompasses the philosophy that children and adults of all abilities benefit immensely from being able to play and interact together. In addition to ramps, accessible swings, and play panels, an inclusive playground may also feature sensory walls, quiet sensory gardens, water play or splash pads, and more.

While an ADA-compliant playground is not necessarily accessible, and inclusive playground takes into account physical, intellectual and sensory disabilities. For additional information on compliance, see the checklist for ADA compliance created by PlayCore, a play and recreation company.