Choose to Include

Choose to Include Products, Programs, and Services for Inclusive Play and Recreation Spaces

Inclusive play and recreation environments thoughtfully break down barriers for physical and social inclusion to occur.

Table of

Contents PAGE 04

Welcome PAGE 05

Our Leadership & Commitment PAGE 06

Inclusive Products PAGE 25

Inclusive Programs PAGE 27

Inclusive Services PAGE 31

A Call to Action: Let’s Grow Inclusion!

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Welcome to

We've helped communities everywhere create inclusive, intergenerational play and recreation environments that break down barriers, foster friendships, and build community vitality. PlayCore significantly contributes to ongoing research and learning to ensure that the best practices shared with the communities we serve are accurate, validated, and evidence-based. We take a holistic approach by listening to communities, providing the knowledge to champion environments that exceed minimum accessibility requirements, and working with community members to create complete play and recreation environments that meet their unique goals.

Across a diverse portfolio of more than 40 brands of inclusive products, programs, and services, we create destinations that support inclusion and participation by everyone.

On the following pages, we’re highlighting a sample of best practices and products we can utilize in creating the ultimate inclusive play and recreation space.

Contact us for more information and to discover the full suite of inclusive programs, products, and services we offer.

INFO@PLAYCORE.COM

Our Leadership & Commitment We collaborate with scholars and experts to ensure our inclusive programs, products, and services reflect the latest research, best practices, and diverse perspectives. By engaging thought leaders across fields, we stay at the forefront of innovation and equity, building offerings that are not only effective and relevant, but also culturally responsive and socially impactful. This commitment helps us lead the industry in inclusivity, setting a high standard for meaningful engagement, accessibility, and long-term value for all communities we serve.

“The 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design® were founded on the understanding that beyond disability, there are abilities; beyond accessibility, there is inclusion.”

Keith Christensen, PhD, RLA, Dept of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Disability Disciplines, Utah State University

“Who is being excluded? This is the question communities should consider when creating inclusive outdoor recreation experiences for everyone The process must start early in the planning design, and programming, Kudos to communities that choose inclusion and make it a top priority.”

Bill Botten, PlayCore Accessibility Consultant, Ret. U.S. Access Board Inclusion Specialist

“Think about everybody, all human experiences, and what people’s needs are as individuals. That’s what being universal is all about.”

Damian Buchman, Founder and Executive Director of The Ability Center.

Inclusive

Products

Inclusive design in public spaces is one of the most important aspects to ensure that all people of all ages and abilities feel welcomed and are able to enjoy the space to the greatest extent possible. Going beyond the minimum standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act is a critical consideration to provide more than access. A great public space fosters social inclusion, promotes accessibility, and encourages the development of people of all abilities and ages. They provide spaces where people can recreate together, build relationships, and learn from one another, while breaking down barriers and stereotypes.

With more than 40 brands of play and recreation equipment, we make it simple to create inclusive spaces.

Product

Categories PAGE 8

Play PAGE 13

Site Amenities PAGE 16

Surfacing PAGE 19

Fitness PAGE 22

Aquatics

W W W . P L AYCO R E .CO M / O U R - B R A ND S

Play A great inclusive playground offers a variety of experiences for all users through universal design, diverse play opportunities, and inclusive site amenities.

Play is an integral part of children’s growth and development. Inclusive playgrounds can help individual of all ages and abilities discover their full potential, providing enjoyment, emotional fulfillment, a sense of belonging, and improved health.

Our unique design philosophy utilizes the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design® with the widest array of inclusive play products available to create truly welcoming spaces to meet the needs of every community.

W W W . P L AYCO R E .CO M / P L AY - B R A N DS

Choose to Include

Ensure a robust assortment of activities that thoughtfully meet the physical, social-emotional,

Requirements & Considerations

communication, sensory, and cognitive needs of

REQUIREMENTS:

experiences together.

Provide accessible routes to one of each type of ground

people of all abilities and ages.

Select intergenerational activities and programs that encourage people across generations to enjoy developmentally appropriate play and recreational

level play component.

Provide play equipment with appropriate reach ranges

Provide either ramp or transfer access to 50% of the

control and/or offers adaptations such as adaptive

elevated play components.

mallets for musical instruments, adaptive switch

that accommodate variations in gross and fine motor

capabilities for play panels, large knobs for handholds, Include five-foot-wide ramps to allow an individual using a

etc.

mobility device to move up or down the structure

Utilize various surface materials, textures, sounds,

alongside a peer or caregiver or pass another person

and/or colors to provide visual, auditory, and tactile

using a mobility device going down the structure.

cues to help organize specific activity areas that make

CONSIDERATIONS:

it easier to navigate and understand.

Provide a variety of choices for how an individual chooses

Incorporate ‘jump-in points’ adjacent to or within

to play, products that can be used for a variety of

activity areas designed for dramatic play, interactive

purposes, and equitable alternatives for persons of all

games, or elements such as music. Research shows

ages and abilities.

this helps children understand the activity, so they are

Incorporate “looping” patterns throughout the environment by designing slide exits near climbers,

naturally drawn into social-cognitive play experiences with others when they feel emotionally ready.

transfer points, and ramp entryways so children can

Consider sensory-rich elements that offer tactile,

successfully engage in repetitive play designed to build

visual, auditory, and motion/movement. Half activity

confidence and support a developmental skill progression.

panels support individuals using mobility devices and

Include opportunities to communicate through pictures and/or symbols that are also tactile and easy to recognize,

provides the ability to comfortably approach and reach swings, rocking, and spinning activities.

paired with the written word, and organized using color

Utilize slide transfer stations, especially on slides that

coding to represent different parts of speech so that

are accessible via a ramp, to support the

people can communicate feelings, wants, and/or needs to

independence and safety of individuals who choose to

friends and family-whether by speaking, vocalizing, or

transfer out of their mobility device to access the slide

using communication boards or voice output devices.

entrance. It also provides additional height and

Select playground equipment that has intentionally been

support to caregivers who may be assisting others.

designed to provide additional gross motor and fine motor movements that supports more active, independent play

For a complete overview of inclusive best

even by those unable to leave their mobility device.

practices for playgrounds, request The 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design at playcore.com/programs

Choose to Include

Product Considerations Accessible transfers support the independence and safety of individuals who transfer from their mobility device to enjoy sliding activities.

INDEPENDENCE

Accessible Routes | Double Wide Ramps | Unitary Surfacing | Accessible Upper Body + Climbing Events | Accessible Transfers | ADA Half Panels

Choose to Include

Product Considerations

MOVEMENT

Inclusive Motion Activities: Rocking, Swinging, Spinning with Inclusive Features such as high backs, harnesses, handlebars, and zero entry options.

SOCIALIZATION Communication Boards with picture symbols provide opportunities for people of all abilities to communicate their needs, ask for assistance, express their feelings and make choices.

Dramatic & Imaginative Play | Expressive & Receptive Language Development | Communication Boards with Picture Symbols

Choose to Include

Product Considerations

EXPLORE

Auditory play panels with adaptive switch capabilities accommodate variations in fine and gross motor skills.

Sensory Play: Tactile, Auditory, and Visual Activities | Cozy Spots | Inclusive Music with Adaptive Mallets | Loose Parts | Panels with Adaptive Switch Capabilities | Wayfinding Supports

Site Amenities Site amenities are critical in enhancing play and recreation settings and helping communities create comfortable, welcoming environments with increased usability by all ages and abilities.

Inclusive, intergenerational site amenities are crucial for creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for all visitors, including persons with disabilities.

These amenities ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits, whether it's exploring nature, participating in activities, or simply relaxing or being a spectator.

PlayCore brands offer a variety of accessible inclusive and intergenerational site amenities across broad categories that thoughtfully promote social inclusion, encourage outdoor activity, and cultivate community.

W W W . P L AYCO R E .CO M / SI T E - A ME N I T I E S - BR A N DS

Choose to Include

Requirements & Considerations REQUIREMENTS:

Benches & Seating Areas - Adjacent accessible

Dog Parks - Gates into the enclosure must provide 32

wheelchair spaces near benches with firm and stable

inches clear width with accessible gate hardware within

surface.

reach range.

An accessible route to and within the dog park that connects at least one of each type of amenity provided.

Musical Instruments - Installed on an accessible route with a firm and stable surface at an appropriate height and reach range.

Picnic Tables - At least 5% of dining surfaces positioned on an accessible and providing knee and toes space.

Service Areas - Wheelchair-accessible sales and service counters no higher than 36 inches.

Accessible point of sale systems.

Condiment stations within accessible reach ranges.

Spectator Seating - Wheelchair spaces integrated within each seating area.

CONSIDERATIONS: Musical Instruments - Adapted mallets to promote independence and usability.

Shade trees or structures surrounding seating to increase comfort.

Provide back and armrests when possible.

Benches with charging ports for electronic and mobility devices.

Picnic Tables - Provide accessible tables protected from the weather by using shade or shelters where possible.

Wheelchair spaces integrated into picnic tables, which allow space for multiple individuals that use mobility devices to comfortably gather at the same table that offer choices of where to sit.

Shade & Shelters - Shade structures on accessible routes with appropriate turning radius.

Provide shade or the play or recreation activity areas for safety and comfort.

Consider sun exposure and movement throughout the day to position shade to provide maximum shade throughout the day.

Spectator Seating - Circulation paths are behind the designated wheelchair spaces.

Choose to Include

Product Considerations Adaptive mallets for musical instruments provide additional fine motor support.

COMFORT

Bike Parking & Storage | Dog Parks | Outdoor Music | Seating & Dining Areas | Shade & Shelters | Trash Receptacles

Choose to Include

Product Considerations Consider selecting tables that provide options where mobility devices can be accommodated so that people who use wheelchairs can choose where they would like to be.

CONNECTIONS

Bike Parking & Storage | Dog Parks | Outdoor Music | Seating & Dining Areas | Shade & Shelters | Trash Receptacles

Surfacing Our surfacing brands work in several ways

Splash pads, dog parks, athletic fields,

to provide inclusive surfacing options for a

sport courts, walkways, and trails.

variety of applications.

Additionally, our talented surfacing We provide several types of inclusive

teams can create a variety of innovative

surfaces, from unitary products that

play options with surfacing, including

provide the ultimate in accessibility to

hillside slides, undulating mounds,

engineered wood that meets accessibility

freestanding play components, and

standards when installed correctly and

embedded games and fitness activities.

maintained.

We also offer raw materials to assist Accessible routes to and through play and

other surfacing companies spread

recreation environments are a requirement

inclusive surfaces everywhere utilizing

and we offer specialized surfaces for all

our decades of expertise and top-

types of accessible routes and activities,

quality products.

including playgrounds, W W W . P L AYCO R E .CO M / S U R FACI N G - B R A N DS

Choose to Include

Requirements & Considerations REQUIREMENTS:

CONSIDERATIONS:

The ADA Standards require a firm and stable

While there are many surfaces that meet ADA

accessible route from site arrival points including

standards, unitary rubber provides greater access,

accessible parking to all elements, spaces and

while other surfaces like sand, grass, and pea gravel

facilities on the site required to be accessible.

are not accessible.

For sports center facilities, ensure each area of sport

When possible, utilize unitary surfacing, such as turf,

activity is connected with at least one accessible route.

on sports fields to permit wheelchair access and play.

An accessible route and a wheelchair space is required

Consider using designs in poured surfacing to extend

within each dugout and player team seating area.

activities, games, and fitness activities.

Ensure running slopes along accessible routes are no

Consider color cues to indicate areas like high traffic

greater than 1:20 (5%). Running slopes within play

zones, cross trails, or exit zones for play equipment to

areas are permitted to be no steeper than 1:16 (6.25%).

help people with disabilities navigate the environment.

Accessible routes must be a minimum of 36" wide (in

Be sure to inspect accessible routes from all angles.

some cases, this can narrow to 32" for a limited

While the surface itself may be accessible, issues like

distance in case of obstructions like trees). A minimum

low hanging branches, signage, statues, or tree roots

of 5 feet wide for accessible routes is required within

may block and cause barriers from access along the

play areas.

route.

Ensure turning spaces are provided in spaces where people with mobility devices may need to maneuver, for example at play structure access points, entrances to dog parks, and within accessible rooms and spaces.

For more information on planning, purchasing, and protecting accessible surfacing, request the Strong Foundations guidebook at playcore.com/programs.

Choose to Include

Product Considerations

Contrasting colors and graphics can create visual cues to help organize the environment.

INCLUSION

Unitary Play and Recreational Safety Surfacing | Poured in Place Rubber | Tile, Synthetic Turf | Colors, Graphics, and Play Features for Visual Cues, Themes, and Fun | Universal Fields and Synthetic Turf Systems

Choose to Include

Product Considerations

DESIGN

Playing fields with unitary surfaces help ensure that people of all ages and abilities can participate in sports activities.

Unitary Play and Recreational Safety Surfacing | Poured in Place Rubber | Tile, Synthetic Turf | Colors, Graphics, and Play Features for Visual Cues, Themes, and Fun | Universal Fields and Synthetic Turf Systems

Fitness According to the American College of Sports Medicine, only 14% of adults with disabilities meet both aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines for good health, compared to 23% of adults without disabilities.

Providing accessible fitness equipment in a recreation space is a great way to increase opportunities for people to exercise, and expand intergenerational and inclusive opportunities for recreation.

Outdoor adult fitness equipment and facilities can provide free access to fitness opportunities, reduce barriers to exercise, and foster a sense of inclusion and community engagement.

W W W . P L AYCO R E .CO M / F I T N E S S- B R AN D S

Choose to Include

Requirements & Considerations REQUIREMENTS: An accessible route must connect to at least one of each type of fitness equipment.

Ensure accessible surfacing is utilized from parking areas to and through all other activities within an outdoor fitness space.

CONSIDERATIONS: Plan equitable opportunities for exercise so that people with disabilities can exercise both physically and socially with others performing the same exercise.

Consider using designs in poured surfacing for elements like agility ladders or lines to remove trip hazards for people with low vision.

For large outdoor fitness areas, consider using color cues to indicate high or low impact fitness zones.

When provided, ensure water fountains or filling stations are accessible so that all people can hydrate during a workout.

Consider padded grab bars and handles, which are more comfortable for older users especially in weight bearing exercises.

Plan outdoor fitness areas to offer a well-rounded workout, with consideration given to lower and upper body aerobic conditioning, muscle development, core strength, flexibility, and balance.

Provide space for caregivers and therapists to interact, sit, and move through the space.

Utilize unitary surfacing to minimize trip hazards in areas where surfacing is required.

For more information on planning an outdoor adult fitness area, request a copy of Outdoor Adult Fitness Parks guidebook at playcore.com/programs.

Choose to Include

Product Considerations

CHALLENGE

Fitness equipment designed to accommodate mobility devices helps promote comfort, usability, and inclusion for adults of all abilities.

Therapeutic and Inclusive Adult Outdoor Fitness Equipment | Soft Grip Handrails | Indoor Climbing Walls with Adaptive Handholds | Obstacle Courses | Visual Organization to Promote Challenge Levels

Choose to Include

Product Considerations

ACCESS Climbing walls with adaptive handholds and footholds provide stability and extra support.

They also offer options for climbers to use as they traverse across the wall.

Therapeutic and Inclusive Adult Outdoor Fitness Equipment | Soft Grip Handrails | Indoor Climbing Walls with Adaptive Handholds | Obstacle Courses | Visual Organization to Promote Challenge Levels

Aquatics Aquatics is a broad field of applications that includes competitive and leisure swimming, water immersion, splash pads and playgrounds, and decorative fountains.

The buoyancy of water reduces joint pressure and allows for easier movement, making it an ideal environment for exercise and rehabilitation. Additionally, water activities can boost confidence, enhance social skills, and provide a sense of independence.

Water activity provides many benefits to people with and without disabilities,

In addition to its health benefits,

including improved physical health,

water activity offers sensory

mental well-being, and increased social

stimulation, and opportunities for

interaction.

intergenerational fun.

W W W . P L AYCO R E .CO M / AQUAT ICS - B R A N D S

Choose to Include

Requirements & Considerations REQUIREMENTS: Ensure access to each swimming pool, wading pool or

For competitive swimming, provide start devices that

spa with a compliant pool lift or sloped entry.

offer both light and sound triggers for people who are deaf or hard of hearing or are blind or have low

Pool lifts must have a seat and footrests, be able to

vision.

support at least 300 pounds, and have a seat height over the deck between 16 and 19 inches. A pool lift must

Ensure all supporting facilities are accessible to

also submerge to at least 18 inches of water depth.

people with disabilities including locker rooms, shower compartments, and concession areas.

Clear deck space is required at the lift, and the lift must be located where the water level does not exceed 48

Utilize lane markers to separate active areas from

inches.

therapeutic areas in the pool.

Sloped entries must extend to a depth of 24 to 30

For outdoor water play areas, consider adding shade

inches of water and provide a level landing at the top

structures to protect from the heightened sun

and bottom.

reflections present in water environments.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Consider adding decorative fountains with light and

Provide ongoing staff training for pool personnel to

sound in public spaces to offer sensory stimulation for

ensure that accessible equipment (particularly pool lifts)

people of all abilities to enjoy.

and pool facilities are available and operable whenever a pool is open. Staff training should include instruction on what accessible features are available, how to operate and maintain them, and any necessary safety considerations.

For more information on the benefits of water immersion, request a copy of the Water Immersion Works guidebook at playcore.com/programs.

Choose to Include

Product Considerations

PLAY Provide water features and activators with behavioral cues and sensory rich features.

Start Devices with Light and Sound | ADA Pool Lifts | Water Play Features | Sensory Fountains | Spray Parks| Accessible Handrails

Inclusive

Programs

PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research, and Education (CORE) is here to help you execute inclusion best practices. We are committed to investing in validated research, sharing evidence-based resources and building informed advocacy to help empower communities to create high quality play and recreation spaces. Learn about CORE at playcore.com/CORE. Partnering with an unequaled network of world-renowned scholars, we develop

Some of our inclusion resources

research that informs design and

are shown at right. See the full

validates the value of play and recreation

library at playcore.com/resources.

across a variety of disciplines and topics.

This commitment to data-driven

CORE’s Professional Development

knowledge informs all our services.

Hub combines research and

Learn more about all our scholars at

resources to offer world-class

playcore.com/research.

learning opportunities where professionals can share learnings

Utilizing these research findings, we provide a robust library of resources to help communities implement best practices for planning and design, curriculum and programming, advocacy, and community impact TRAVELinitiatives.

PACKAGE CATALOG

and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through a variety of tailored events and diverse topics.

Start learning today at education.playcore.com

2 Play Together

The 7 Principles of

Beyond the Minimums

Inclusive Playground Design 2PlayTogether is a curricula Developed in partnership with

that strives to make a

This resource expands

Utah State University Center for

difference in inclusive play

design best practice to

Persons with Disabilities, this

and creating communities

address the whole

comprehensive, evidence-based

that care through character

environment, focusing

design program defines 7

education. This resource

on each element of a

principles of inclusive playground

equips programmers with

public recreation space

design to create a truly inclusive

tips and activities that will

to ensure inclusion

and embracing play experience

promote play, understanding,

from entry to exit.

that meets the developmental

and fun between children

needs of the whole child by

with and without disabilities.

intentionally providing opportunities for physical, cognitive, communicative, social/emotional, and sensory development.

“We are proud of our ongoing partnership with PlayCore to promote inclusively designed play environments where people of all abilities discover unique opportunities to participate in meaningful outdoor experiences.”- Dr. Keith Christensen

Transformational Impact – Designing Public Spaces to Promote Intergenerational Play & Recreation This resource examines design of the physical environment to accommodate the physical and psychological needs of people of all ages and abilities, with equal consideration to affording opportunities for meaningful engagement between people of different generations.

P L AYCO R E . CO M / P RO G R A M S

Inclusive

Services

PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research and Education provides a range of services focused on building healthy communities through play and recreation. In addition to the guidebooks mentioned throughout this resource, their Center for Outreach, Research, & Education (CORE) offers world-class services, like continuing education opportunities and the National Demonstration Site Program, which recognizes communities for following evidence- based design best practices in play and recreation space design.

Professional

Development

CORE’s Professional Development Hub combines research and resources to offer world-class learning opportunities where professionals can share learnings and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through a variety of tailored events and diverse topics.

Take learning to the next level with the Beyond the Minimums virtual webinar series, which offers valuable insight on creating inclusive and welcoming experiences in play, recreation, and outdoor environments. To ensure all participants feel included in the learning, CORE provides accessible presentations, resources, and offers livecaption and sign language interpretation to accommodate the diverse needs of our attendees.

Browse our course catalog and register for events at education.playcore.com with the registration code: COMMUNITY

National

Demonstration Sites

Research indicates that when evidence-based design best practices are implemented with the built environment, then positive and measurable outcomes occur. PlayCore’s National Demonstration Site (NDS) program for inclusive play helps communities take advantage of this research to build meaningful play or fitness environments.

As part of the program, data is gathered and reported in a storytelling format through three reports that help community leaders demonstrate the positive impact of their projects, attract new funding sources, and defend budgets for parks, recreation, and open spaces.

Learn more or join the network at playcore.com/nds

Demonstrate Community

Outcomes

Data collected across PlayCore’s National Demonstration Site Network for inclusive play helped community leaders showcase the sites’ ability to:

ENCOURAGE REPEAT VISITATIONS 96% of site visitors say they will return in the future.

ENCOURAGE FREQUENT VISITATIONS 46% visiting more than once a week.

DEMONSTRATE HEALTH AND WELLNESS 98% of site visitors were active.

PROMOTE RECOMMENDED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY 90% of site visitors are active at the site for 30 minutes or longer.

CLAIM VISITOR SATISFACTION 98% of site visitors are satisfied with their visit.

A Call to Action:

Let’s Grow Inclusion!

Creating an inclusive park experience for visitors of all ages and abilities involves a thoughtful approach to product selection and environmental design. By utilizing the strategies in this guidebook, park planners and community stakeholders can enhance the experiences of all park visitors. Inclusive parks are a critical component in aligning to the seven indicators of Community Vitality.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Social & Emotional Health

Inclusive play and recreation facilities

Parks provide mental health benefits

ensure that individuals of all ages and

by offering calming environments that

abilities, including those with

reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally,

disabilities, have equal access,

inclusive parks allow people with

promotes fairness and equality in

disabilities to engage in physical activities,

public spaces, and promotes a culture

helping them develop skills, boost

of learning, acceptance, and respect.

confidence, and gain a sense of independence and belonging.

Community Engagement Inclusive parks foster social

Physical Health & Lifestyle Behaviors

connections among diverse groups of

Access to green spaces is linked to

individuals. They create environments

numerous physical health benefits,

where people can meet, interact, and

such as increased physical activity and

learn from one another, thus

improved cardiovascular health.

strengthening community ties.

Public Services Parks designed for inclusivity can attract a wider range of visitors, potentially boosting local economies through increased foot traffic and tourism.

Additionally, the development and maintenance of inclusive parks can create job opportunities in landscaping, management, and program facilitation.

Environment Inclusive play and recreation encourage all individuals to connect with nature and engage in conservation efforts, fostering a greater appreciation for the environment.

Education

Join us in reimagining our community

Inclusive play and recreation can

spaces to reflect the diversity of the

significantly boost education in various ways by providing unique learning opportunities, promoting environmental awareness, encouraging physical and social

people who use them. Let’s create parks that are accessible to people of all abilities, welcoming to every age group,

development, and serving as community

culturally inclusive, and designed with

hubs.

input from every corner of our community.

Let’s Build Parks That Welcome Everyone!

Contact us today and let's shape the

Outdoor spaces are for all of us — a place to

future of inclusive and intergenerational

play, connect, relax, and thrive. But not every

outdoor spaces together!

space is built with inclusivity in mind. It’s time to change that.

core@playcore.com

544 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN 347402 877-762-7563 | www.playcore.com