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The Playground Builders
How do I choose the right type of playground for me?
Chapter 2:
In this chapter, you’ll learn about six different ways to look at playgrounds that will help you determine the type of playground you need. The six ways to look at a playground are: • • • • • •
Desired Aesthetic Level of Inclusion & Accessibility Age Range Catered For Range of Play Types Level of Custom Design Size
Desired Aesthetic
Level of Inclusion & Accessibility
A playground’s aesthetic really comes down to the types of materials used. Plastic, rubber, and metal materials are often associated with vibrancy, colour, and a finished, ‘manufactured’ look. Playgrounds that stick to wood and natural fibres are often seen as more ‘natural’ than these types of playgrounds. Of course, all these different materials can be used together to create a blended aesthetic but striking the right balance between them is a difficult challenge and one that’s probably best left to a professional playground designer.
If you are looking to create a fully inclusive and accessible playground, then you need to think about the equipment and materials you use.
It’s important that you establish the type of playground aesthetic you want at the beginning of your project so your designer can choose equipment and surfacing that aligns with your goals.
Many playground equipment suppliers now offer accessible play options such as wheelchair accessible carousels and mini-trampolines. Other types of equipment, such as basket swings, allow for easy transfer between the equipment and a wheelchair. Sensory elements are important, particularly for inclusion as colours, sounds, and textures all play a large role in creating a multi-sensory space. Highly visible colours, for example, can be used to mark out danger areas, such as around swings for children with low vision, and musical play equipment can provide an alternative play experience. Finally, for a playground to be truly inclusive and accessible, it needs smooth safety surfacing that doesn’t hinder movement.
NATURAL
MANUFACTURED
