Accessible Play Forum

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CHILD’S PLAY? Accessible play areas are associated with SEN schools and some other educational establishments, but the presence of accessible play equipment at many public playgrounds is sorely lacking.

Inclusive Design spoke to Mel Blackham, Area Sales Manager with HAGS, Gabrielle Neary, Playground Design Specialist with ESP PLAY Parks, Michael Hoenigmann, Managing Director of Jupiter Play & Leisure, Matt Richardson, Product Manager with Massey and Harris, and Oscar Lorraine, Sales & Marketing Director of Proludic Ltd. about what they think should be done to improve this.

Above: An accessible roundabout from Proludic

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Q. What sort of projects have you recently been involved with?

Matt: We’ve recently completed a major play project called Mayfield in Manchester, which was the first city centre park in Manchester in over 100 years! The play equipment was installed in the 6.5 acre parkland, and is woven around the River Medlock, one of Manchester’s founding rivers.

Oscar: We deliver hundreds of sites each year. One that we are particularly proud of, which was completed summer 2023, is Pennington Flash Country Park. We always 17

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look to tell a story and bring local themes into our play spaces and here with an abundance of local and unique flora and fauna the focus was on inviting the children on an adventure in nature.

teenage play provision to provide an inclusive option that is suitable for the whole community.

Accessibility is a fundamental part of providing spaces that everyone can use together, and this has been a central motivation in the development of KORE. We are hopeful this will help clients to identify and easily meet the needs of a much broader section of their communities.

We consider accessibility in all our projects; we work with our clients to identify what the community needs and to adapt our designs to ensure these needs are met.

This is where our in-house design team really thrives.

Mel: We’ve been working with a Local Authority in south Wales to improve their accessible and inclusive play provision, at a destination play area.

Gabrielle: We recently completed Coate Water Country Park in Swindon. ESP PLAY Parks liaised closely with both Swindon Borough Council and inclusion action group Mums on a Mission and upon visiting site and completing a full consultation realised this was not a standard Play Area but a hugely important community project that was at the heart of what we strive for.

The chosen positioning for the new Play Area required extensive groundworks to create a level site that would be 100% accessible and upon reading the original specification we knew we could improve on the desire for full inclusive destination play area.

The ESP design team took each element and enhanced the brief to create bespoke inclusive and accessible elements that elevated the Play Area to above and beyond Swindon Borough Council's vision.

Michael: Recently we designed and installed Butlin’s Skypark in which all users were considered, regardless of mobility issues or complex needs. Wheelchair access is built into the mound which places the user at the heart of the space with everyone else. It allows wheelchair users to play at height and gives access one of the key towers central to the space.

Sensory spaces, a calm zone, interactives, and accessible equipment ensure that there is something to cater for everyone’s needs.

We have also been working on a new project called KORE. This seeks to reinvent traditional

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“WE ALWAYS LOOK TO TELL A STORY AND BRING LOCAL THEMES INTO OUR PLAY SPACES” OSCAR LORRAINE, PROLUDIC

Below: 2.2m wheelchair accessible roundabout by Massey and Harris

Q. Which of your accessible play products were incorporated here?

Oscar: A wide range of accessible play items were incorporated on this site. The wheelchair accessible seesaw facilitates interactive play between children and adults regardless of ability. It offers a different movement plane for children who cannot leave their chair enabling them to play in a group social setting.

The accessible roundabout allows wheelchair users to sit and play alongside all children, experiencing rotational play together.

The whole site can be accessed via level, hard standing footpaths which connect all play zones where interactive games, sensory panels and imaginative elements can be found throughout the site. These help to teach the children about the unique habitat found on and around the Flash.

Telescopes positioned towards boards depicting local nature facilitate interaction with others and the environment. Climbing units are accessible to all through wide access points and double width slide egress points.

Play is provided at ground level via puzzle boxes linking the local heritage to the play experience embracing inclusive play for all.

Mel: We expanded an existing play area, which already featured accessible elements, primarily swings. Our additions include the Mirage Seat and a Large Group Swing seat on new swing frames in various parts of the play space.

To cater to children of all abilities and ages, we designed a customised Multi Play unit with ramp access, providing a diverse perspective on height. Additionally, we integrated a Play Trail that accommodates wheelchairs, buggies, and walking frames, enhancing inclusivity in play.

The inclusion of the Spinmee, a flush-tofloor roundabout, ensures inclusive play for all abilities, whether seated, in a wheelchair or buggy, or standing.

We incorporated various sensory play panels at heights suitable for both seated and standing children. These panels come in different types, including colourful, musical, and quieter options, catering to a range of preferences for imaginative or

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designed accessible slide. The slide features a wide start section and wider exit section that allows a user more space to use the piece of play equipment.

Q. What do you think are the main difficulties in designing an environment that is accessible as well as providing the play value that children require?

individual play. Notably, we have taken immense pride in introducing the first Dennis Inclusive Seesaw installed in the UK as part of these enhancements.

Gabrielle: Each of our play areas we bespoke design to our clients needs.

Coate Water Park Castle and Gwel an Mor Pirate Ship were both tailor-made with accessibility at the forefront.

Working closely with our clients and local community groups is a vital step in our design process to ensure that everything, including wheelchair ramps and doublewidth slides, was accessible and provided excellent play values.

We included ground trampolines and an accessible in-ground carousel within our Coate Water Park design which enabled wheelchair and less able-bodied users to be able to access the same level of play as all users.

Our bespoke pirate ship incorporated sensory pieces and interactive points throughout specifically designed to be suitable for those who are neurodivergent.

Coate Water Park was designed with a wheelchair-friendly swing which has already been well loved!

Michael: We included sound bar sensory elements, a wheelchair accessible trampoline, swings, a roundabout, double-width slides, and a bespoke accessible play unit.

Matt: We installed our popular wheelchair roundabout, with a custom top that is inspired by the city’s old cotton mill drums.

The wheelchair accessible roundabout allows a wheelchair user onto the centre of the roundabout and two other users seated next to them.

We also designed and manufactured a specific ramp to allow wheelchair users access directly into one of the play towers and to allow them to use a specially

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Above: The castle at Coate Water Park, by ESP Play

“OUR AIM IS TO DESIGN ACCESSIBLE PLAY AREAS WHEREBY USERS DON’T NOTICE THAT IT HAS BEEN DELIBERATELY DESIGNED WITH ACCESSIBILITY IN MIND” GABRIELLE NEARY, ESP PLAY PARKS

Mel: Successful designs often involve collaboration between architects, play space designers, child development experts, focus groups and accessibility specialists.

It requires a deep understanding of the diverse needs of children and a commitment to creating spaces that foster inclusivity without sacrificing the inherent joy and challenge of play.

In this project, we collaborated closely with the Local Authority, engaging various focus groups, such as schools and parent groups associated with children of mixed abilities.

Drawing on the insights and experiences shared by these groups, our primary aim was to provide a broad range of play opportunities for as many children as possible.

Gabrielle: There is a fine line between making an area look like an inviting play area for all, that ignites children’s imaginations, and a play area that looks like accessibility was an afterthought with ramps placed without care and attention.

Our aim is to design accessible play areas whereby users don’t notice that it has been deliberately designed with accessibility in mind.

Inclusive and accessible play is something that is becoming more prominent in our designs, and we welcome this fresh and exciting approach to play!

Michael: Designing an environment that is both accessible and provides the necessary play value for children poses several challenges. One key difficulty is the common practice of tokenistic design, where inclusive equipment is added without careful consideration of the user experience.

Additionally, achieving play at height often incurs higher costs for wheelchair accessibility due to the need for extensive ramps. Budget constraints frequently lead to scaling back on accessible elements, undermining the goal of a fully inclusive play experience.

Ongoing research is crucial, particularly in addressing invisible disabilities, such as those affecting neurodivergent children.

Designing for diverse needs, including the provision of spaces like time-out areas and hideaways, is essential to accommodate children who may feel overwhelmed.

The constant evolution of knowledge on these challenges highlights the ongoing effort required to strike a balance between accessibility and fulfilling the diverse play needs of children.

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Matt: One of the challenges is to find creative ways to make accessible play equipment fun and engaging for children of all abilities; many people see accessible play equipment being less fun than traditional play equipment.

We typically try to deliver play equipment that isn’t hugely different from a traditional play experience, allowing all users to enjoy it. We also try to increase the sensory needs within the play area through a rich selection of textures and materials.

Oscar: Firstly, accessibility for play spaces does not start once the child and parent enter the park, they must first be able to get there (parking, public transport) and be able to stay (toilets, changing facilities, seating).

An accessible play space is a space which is barrier-free and allows users access to move around the space offering opportunities to participate in a range of differing activities; not every child will be able to actively use everything within an accessible play space.

The main difficulties to overcome revolve around the space available for the new build, surface, levels, space. Secondly the brief and budget, which can restrict what can be achieved within the financial envelope, to meet the needs of as many children as possible.

Designing for needs for all is a challenge as everyone is different. It is important that we give everyone the opportunity to explore, experience challenge and take managed risks at a level they are comfortable with. This will mean some elements are not accessible to all but this does not mean we have failed, the importance is in understanding the community needs and best trying to meet this within a limited/finite budget.

Inclusive play spaces on the other hand should provide a barrier-free environment, with supporting infrastructure, which meets

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Right: The Mirage Seat from HAGS Below: Proludic’s wheelchair accessible seesaw

“SUCCESSFUL DESIGNS OFTEN INVOLVE COLLABORATION BETWEEN ARCHITECTS, PLAY SPACE DESIGNERS, CHILD DEVELOPMENT EXPERTS, FOCUS GROUPS AND ACCESSIBILITY SPECIALISTS” MEL BLACKHAM, HAGS

the wide and varying play needs of every child. Disabled children and non-disabled children will enjoy high levels of participation opportunities, equally rich in play value.

Our goal should therefore be to make all our play areas to be inclusive and accessible to all.

Q. What was your favourite project of those you’ve worked on?

Gabrielle: My favourite design was Gwel an Mor, the public reaction was incredibly heartwarming and it really is what makes our jobs so amazing.

I had a lady who was visiting the holiday park get in touch with me to say how much she loved the nest swing we installed, as a wheelchair user it made her feel like she was flying.

Moments like that make the projects just a little bit more special and It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my career.

Michael: Stanway Community Centre was an amazing project specifically designed around accessibility. Jupiter was commissioned to design and construct a new inclusive play facility on the site of the Stanway Lakelands Community Centre. The primary goal of the project was to design a long-lasting, fully inclusive play facility that ensured all children, with both learning and special educational needs, sensory needs, and those with mobility related issues including wheelchair users, could play and interact alongside all other children.

The results have been overwhelmingly positive. Local SEND schools are travelling to use the park and have highlighted how impactful it has been for their students to have play provision designed specifically to meet the needs of their students.

One wheelchair user spoke of how the accessible design had meant he was to be able to play in the park with his son for the first time.

To be given the free rein to design a space incorporating everything we would want for an inclusive play park is a rare and

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exciting opportunity. To see this come to life and have such a positive impact on the community has been a wonderful experience for the whole team.

Matt: My favourite project that I’ve worked on was with the Lancasterian School, an SEN school based in Manchester that caters for a wide range of children with various learning difficulties.

We’ve worked with the school for many years and have provided them with various pieces of play equipment and also created numerous learning zones to help them achieve their mission in delivering great play opportunities for their pupils.

Oscar: That would be Windmill Drive Clapham Common where we were involved in the design and installation of a fully inclusive destination playground within Clapham Common. Working in partnership with LB Lambeth and local stakeholders we achieved a gold PIPA award demonstrating a high level of inclusion in the play facility.

The play opportunities extended to support children’s full range of developmental requirements including social, physical, intellectual, creative, and emotional needs.

Accessibility for parking and changing facilities ensure this is a playground that parents and carers can bring their children to visit with confidence that their children will have all their needs supported.

Equipment, pathways, and manoeuvrability were focal points in the design process to ensure time and space to play were achieved. Parents with children experiencing a range of disabilities were brought to the site to play and it was a huge success for all.

Above: Butlin’s Skypark, designed and installed

by Jupiter Play & Leisure. Image © Butlins

Mel: HAGS installs numerous playgrounds in various communities annually, making it challenging to pick a favourite.

Nevertheless, the team found great satisfaction in working on this project in south Wales, not only because it was inspiring and emotional but also due to the exceptional commitment and effort displayed by the Local Authority staff.

Q. It sounds obvious, but what do you think are the main advantages of providing accessible play?

Michael: There is a clear need to provide spaces for children that would otherwise be excluded from standard play provision.

However, designing for accessibility goes far beyond this by empowering and improving the whole community.

Bringing people together to share the space and interact with each other reduces isolation and improves community cohesion.

Accessible play design can be a starting principle that by its nature improves spaces for everyone.

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“BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO SHARE THE SPACE AND INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER REDUCES ISOLATION AND IMPROVES COMMUNITY COHESION” MICHAEL HOENIGMAN, JUPITER PLAY & LEISURE

Matt: Increased physical activity is key.

Having accessible play opportunities ensures that all children of all abilities can have physical activity. This is key to developing gross motor skills, and leading to improved health and fitness. It is also important to develop cognitive development and social and emotional development.

Accessible play equipment allows for children of all abilities to share the space, create experiences and memories, and it also allows for compassion. They’re also great places for family bonding, as they’ll allow families to come together and play together.

Oscar: 49% of families with disabled children face accessibility problems using their local playground, with 10% reporting injuries using inaccessible equipment.

Accessible play provision ensures there is equality for all children.

Playgrounds are so much more than just a part of the physical/built environment; they are nurturing grounds where joy, friendships and experiences flourish. So if we are allowing barriers for anyone to play we are limiting the potential not only for the individual but also the community as a whole.

When a child, regardless of their physical or cognitive capabilities, can play, socialise and laugh alongside their peers the impact is far greater than just a moment of shared fun and excitement. It is an opportunity to learn, develop and grow.

Mel: Ensuring accessible play environments goes beyond mere inclusivity; it fosters a sense of belonging and equal opportunity for all children for which there are so many advantages.

Firstly, accessibility promotes social integration by enabling children of diverse abilities to play together, fostering empathy and understanding. Secondly, it nurtures physical development, allowing children with mobility challenges to engage in activities that enhance their motor skills. Moreover, accessible play spaces contribute to cognitive

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that are ‘tick box’ exercises and proper thought or consideration hasn’t been undertaken to ensure that the play area is offering anything accessible.

It’s also easy to audit existing play areas, and when the need arises to replace certain pieces of play equipment, consideration or thought is put into whether an accessible piece can be used.

development by providing sensory-rich experiences for children with varying needs.

Beyond individual growth, these environments promote a culture of diversity and acceptance, instilling valuable life lessons in young minds. In essence, the advantages of accessible play extend beyond the playground, shaping a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Gabrielle: Accessible and inclusive playgrounds help teach children to value inclusivity and promote equality at a young age, which has a long-lasting impact on local communities and creates a nurturing environment for all children.

From an early age, play is important to a child’s development and learning. It isn’t just physical. It can involve cognitive, imaginative, creative, emotional, and social aspects. It is the main way most children express their impulse to explore, experiment and understand.

For us it is one of our missions to highlight the importance of accessible and inclusive play, because all children deserve to experience that excitement and wonder a play area can offer.

Above: Massey and Harris’ double-wide slide

“I’D LIKE TO SEE NEW PLAY AREAS DESIGNED WITH ACCESSIBILITY IN MIND” MATT RICHARDSON, MASSEY AND HARRIS

Q. What would you like to see done to help increase the number of accessible play areas for children?

Gabrielle: Awareness is everything. We work incredibly hard to bring awareness to the importance of inclusive play to our clients and audience, the little moments we make now can make massive ripples in the future of play.

The more people who are aware, the more normal the idea of accessible play becomes.

Accessible and inclusive play shouldn’t be something we have to think of as an added extra. It’s something we should strive to include in all future play areas.

Matt: I’d like to see new play areas designed with accessibility in mind. There’s a lot of play areas that are being created

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WANT TO CONTACT ANY OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS ARTICLE? k gabrielle.neary@espplay.co.uk k marketing@jupiterplay.co.uk k matt@masseyandharris.com k olorraine@proludic.co.uk k sales@hags.co.uk

Oscar: There needs to be increased education and knowledge around the needs of children and parents who require greater accessibility and support when using playgrounds across the UK. By working with experts (researchers, health professionals, universal design specialists, associations for children with disabilities), we can identify the specific needs of children who may require additional support or have further needs as a result of a disability, and design a play space to meet those needs.

Playground briefs and consequent outcomes should not be tokenistic, they should be holistic. A minimum standard should be issued at a government level in partnership with industry experts such as the API to ensure that play areas meet the needs of all.

Local Authorities are struggling to maintain and keep open their existing play areas. Play provision should be statutory for Local Authorities, and an increased funding programme is essential to ensure an inclusive play opportunity is provided in every playground.

Mel: To help increase the number of accessible play areas for children, a multifaceted approach is crucial. Firstly, there needs to be increased awareness and advocacy for inclusive design principles in urban planning and community development.

Collaborations between municipalities, architects, and disability advocacy groups can ensure that accessibility is a priority in the early stages of project planning.

Numerous local authorities lack sufficient investment in the inclusion and accessibility process. Their limited comprehension of inclusion and accessibility is notably absent when soliciting and evaluating proposals for play areas from companies.

Financial incentives or grants could be established to encourage organisations and communities to invest in creating accessible play spaces. Educational initiatives on the benefits of inclusive play should be widespread, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of these spaces.

Finally, ongoing evaluations and updates to accessibility standards, coupled with public engagement, can ensure that play areas evolve to meet the changing needs of children with diverse abilities.

Ultimately, a concerted effort involving various stakeholders is essential to create a more inclusive and accessible play landscape for all children. ID

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Designing play for the whole community Less than 50% of play areas are accessible, fewer of those are inclusive. We work with clients to ensure that everyone can play alongside one another, in spaces built for the whole community. n Design led approach n Fully inclusive spaces n Interactives bring together technology and play n PiPA accredited n Full catalogue of inclusive play equipment Got a project coming up?

Talk to our design team today! www.jupiterplay.co.uk marketing@jupiterplay.co.uk