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Play for all - Universal design for inclusive playgrounds

two boys playing with inclusive music play panel

Inclusive playgrounds welcomes children of all abilities to play

This publication showcases the KOMPAN Play Institute’s recommendations for universal and inclusive playgrounds. Based on inspirational cases of universal playgrounds, design points for universal play equipment, and the Institute’s most recent research and user observation on inclusive play.

Universal design and inclusive playgrounds are fundamental to KOMPAN’s DNA. The KOMPAN Play Institute has engaged in testing and developing play activities for children of all abilities since the early 1990s. 

An inclusive playground can be accessed and enjoyed by all children. You can check out how to design and inclusive playground here.

White paper

Play for all - Universal designs for inclusive playgrounds

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CHECKLIST FOR #UNIVERSAL PLAYGROUND DESIGN

6 Universal playground design points

  1. Accessible, inclusive routing and infrastructure

  2. Access to relevant ground-level activities

  3. Access to relevant elevated-level activities

  4. Support thrilling and challenging play

  5. Support social interaction

  6. Variation in play activities

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Sensory Play: Science behind child wellbeing in playgrounds

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Webinar

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Play for the planet: redefining outdoor design to minimise carbon footprints

Nature Play: 8 Tips on encouraging outdoor play with nature playgrounds

Inclusive Public Playgrounds: 10 new, science-based practices for play spaces

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Equality in play - Survey on playground use in children with disabilities

Sensory play: The why, how and what of sensory stimulating playgrounds

Physical activity among preschool children

Tweens love playgrounds

Unique Play Designs - Increase play duration

The cover of a book about playground equipment

Families love thrilling and sensory playgrounds

A couple of girls climbing on KOMPAN play equipment.

Climbing activates tween girls - How to increase tween girls' physical activity

More play and no conflicts

6 tips to dramatic play outdoors

a children's play area with children playing on the playground.

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

Play value - The influence of playground equipment

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Truly inclusive - the reward of thrill in universal play designs

Nature play and natural playgrounds

The risk-benefit equation of challenging playgrounds

Innovative products - The key to more play

Play value increases with sensory play

Energy expenditure on a KOMPAN school-age playground

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