White paper

Play for All - Universal Design for Inclusive Playgrounds

two boys playing with inclusive music play panel

Inclusive playgrounds welcome 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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Universal playground design points

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

Physical Activity Among Children in Early Years

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

Tweens love playgrounds

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More Play and No Conflicts

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

The cover of a book about playground equipment

Families Love Thrilling and Sensory Playgrounds

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

Nature Play and Natural Playgrounds

The risk-benefit equation of challenging playgrounds

truly inclusive section

Truly Inclusive: The Reward of Thrill in Universal Play Designs

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Play value increases with sensory play

Energy expenditure on a KOMPAN school age playground

The more thrilling playground

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