Turning accessible playgrounds into fully integrated playgrounds: just add a little essence - Playgrounds

Parks & Recreation, April, 2002 by Tony Malkusak, Jean Schappet, Lawrence Bruya

How do we make this recipe work? Let us take one characteristic, in this case circulation, and apply our ingredients to create integrated play. Ramps are a common means for children to get from one platform to another in a typical, accessible playground. However, using a ramp as the sole means for getting from one level to the next is not conducive to a sensory rich play environment that is rigorous and challenging for children. It's time to add some essence of play: in this instance, our essence will be the implementation strategy of alternative routes.

Why are alternative routes so important in creating an integrated play environment? They are in three main ways: providing choices for children to get from one place to another and empowering them to be in control of their play; putting children of all abilities in the middle of play; and providing a variety of challenges, allowing children to play and develop at their own pace and skill-level. Alternative routes can be achieved by installing parallel bridges, stepping pods, balancing activities, upper body lateral or lineal devices or non-rigid components.

The Benefits of Integrated Playgrounds are Endless!

The need for integrated playgrounds is compelling. One child out of ten has some type of disability that usually separates them from the magic of play in traditional playgrounds. Playgrounds for children of all abilities are essential to the healthy development of all children. Play is how children learn to navigate the world. All children need outdoor play environments to build their strength and socialization skills, learn to be interdependent, take turns and meet challenges, gain a sense of self-determination and esteem and enhance cerebral/motor development.

This is how children can learn to respect and accept diversity: by playing together and experiencing the value of others who are developmentally different from them. In the playground, as in life, recreation time spent together removes the stigma of difference and allows children the opportunity to develop friendships. These are the benefits we all strive for. So always keep a little essence handy.

Tony Malkusak and Jean Schappet are both employed by Boundless Playgrounds. Malkusak has over 15 years experience in the parks and recreation industry and is an executive committee member of the National Playground Safety Institute. Schappet specializes in playground safety and developmentally appropriate design.

Dr. Lawrence Bruya is an internationally renowned expert on playground safety, design and supervision. He is a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Leisure Studies as Washington State University. Read their article, "Turning Accessible Playgrounds into Fully Integrated Playgrounds ... Add a Little Essence!" on page 66.