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

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

Webinars and white papers about play

Mastery through make-believe play

Tweens love playgrounds

Unique play designs - Increase play duration

Unleashing Creativity: Building Unique Playgrounds with KOMPAN Design Studio

Play value increases with sensory play

6 Tips to dramatic play outdoors

Energy expenditure on a KOMPAN school age playground

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

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

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

Sensory Play: Science behind child wellbeing in 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

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

8 ways to encourage nature play in playgrounds

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

The risk-benefit equation of challenging playgrounds

Play value - the influence of playground equipment

truly inclusive section

Truly inclusive – the reward of thrill in universal play designs

Innovative products - The key to more play

The more thrilling playground

Nature play and Natural Playgrounds

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

A couple of girls climbing on KOMPAN play equipment.

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

Physical activity among preschool children

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