Why Inclusive Playgrounds Matter

By Melissa Holderby, PT, DPT

Taking my son to the local playground isn’t fun. He doesn’t enjoy it, and honestly, neither do I. Sometimes, it’s easier to stay home. You see, my son has developmental disabilities. What other kids find fun and exciting can be overwhelming or even dangerous for him. Maybe you can relate.

The problem with most playgrounds is that my son, who is almost 7, has the developmental skills of a much younger child. He struggles with motor skills, speech, vision, and sensory differences. He also tends to wander and can have meltdowns when he gets overwhelmed.

Playgrounds with high equipment, open ladders, and loose gravel can be risky for him. At best, he has limited options for play. At worst, we could end up in the emergency room. It’s a stressful experience.

Are we the only family facing this issue? Not at all.

Dr. Tina Stanton-Chapman, a professor at the University of Cincinnati, studies how children with disabilities interact with their peers. She found that many parents, teachers, and therapists aren’t happy with typical playgrounds. They believe these spaces don’t work well for children with disabilities due to safety concerns, lack of interest, and even bullying.

Dr. Stanton-Chapman has since focused on improving playgrounds using the Principles of Universal Design. This approach makes play areas welcoming for everyone, no matter their abilities, age, or background.

Inclusive playgrounds are designed to allow all children to play together. They remove physical and social barriers, making playtime more enjoyable and accessible. Key features of inclusive playgrounds include:

• • • Sensory-rich activities: Engaging different senses—sight, sound, touch, and movement—helps kids regulate their bodies and interact better.
    • Fencing: A secure space helps keep children from wandering off.
    • Zones: Grouping similar activities together makes it easier for kids with different abilities to find play areas suited to them. Quiet zones also provide a space to relax when needed.
    • Social play opportunities: Equipment that encourages imaginative, parallel, and cooperative play.
    • Different challenge levels: Activities with varying difficulty keep kids of all ages and abilities engaged.
    • Wider paths: These make it easier for children using wheelchairs or mobility aids to move around and access play structures.
    • Smooth surfaces: Materials like synthetic turf or rubber help children using mobility devices play safely and comfortably.

Inclusive playgrounds make a huge difference for families like mine. They provide a safe, welcoming place where all children can play, learn, and grow—together.