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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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6 Tips to dramatic play outdoors

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8 ways to encourage nature play in playgrounds

Tweens love playgrounds: 5 new science-based practice tips for school playground design

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

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

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

Nature play and Natural Playgrounds

Sensory Play: Science behind child wellbeing in playgrounds

Innovative products - The key to more play

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Truly inclusive – the reward of thrill in universal play designs

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

Unleashing Creativity: Building Unique Playgrounds with KOMPAN Design Studio

More Play and No Conflicts

Play value - the influence of playground equipment

Play value increases with sensory play

The more thrilling playground

Physical activity among preschool children

Unique play designs - Increase play duration

Tweens love playgrounds

Energy expenditure on a KOMPAN school age playground

The risk-benefit equation of challenging playgrounds

Children playing on a large playground tower made from more sustainable materials in Olins Park

Play for the Planet: Redefining Outdoor Design to Minimize Carbon Footprint

The cover of a book about playground equipment

Families love thrilling and sensory playgrounds

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