Accessibility is imperative for a successful playground. If you don’t strive for inclusivity in your park and playground, then you’re not really getting the point of these spaces. They are supposed to be a sanctuary for everybody, not just the chosen few. If you know that your park could benefit from some accessibility structure, then take a look at these tips for building a wheelchair-accessible playground. From improving the safety surfacing of the park to including ADA structures, you’ll be on your way to inclusivity!

Understand the ADA Guidelines

Your first step to building a wheelchair-accessible playground is understanding ADA guidelines. There’s a lot to look through, but it’s worth it to feel knowledgeable on all the different ways playgrounds are not accessible, as this will give you a better idea as to how to make yours inclusive. For example, these guidelines set standards for the ratio of elevated-play components provided to ground-level play components required. The more comfortable you are with these standards, the easier it is to ensure an inclusive playground.

An important reminder: If a facility has multiple play areas, whether or not they are intended for children of different age groups, all of them must follow the ADA standards. The more you can fit ADA standards across your playground, the better.

Add in Accessible, Ground-Level Components

Playing off the above example, you need to add some more accessible, ground-level components to your playground. There are tons of different components and structures you can add to the play area that are ADA approved. However, you should not separate the wheelchair-accessible play area from the not wheelchair-accessible one—weave these elements throughout the playground instead of centralizing them to one area. The whole point is to make sure that nobody feels excluded. Here are a few examples of the ADA products:

• Platform Swings
• Wheel-Thru Climbers and Arcades
• Wheelchair-Accessible Merry-Go-Rounds

Improve Safety Surfacing

Surfacing is an important aspect of the playground no matter whether it’s an inclusive playground or not. You have to follow the guidelines in place for surfacing, and this is even more imperative when you’re building an accessible playground. Simply put, it doesn’t matter the structures you have if the surfacing inhibits children from getting to them. Pour in place rubber is one of your best bets, as it creates a smooth surface for tires to roll over easily. If there are any uneven surfaces, make sure there are plenty of ramps available as well.

Provide ADA Approved Seating

Apart from meshing wheelchair-accessible structures and play areas, make sure that you also provide ADA approved seating as well. Remember, not everyone will want to play all day long, especially if they’re new to the playground and trying to gain some courage to go and play with others. Include some ADA picnic tables, benches, water fountains, and more to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and included.

For all your wheelchair-accessible and general playground needs, turn to Discount Playground Supply. We offer tons of ADA products, the surfacing you need to smooth out the play area, and so much more! Make sure that everyone feels included when they walk into your park, and partner with us to ensure you’re getting the best products. Shop now!