Accessible & inclusive playground equipment
At their core, inclusive playgrounds are designed to go beyond accessibility. While it is imperative for playgrounds to be accessible for users with mobility issues by providing wheelchair-friendly walkways, surfacing, ramps, and decks, truly inclusive playgrounds are so much more than that. They ensure play equipment is accessible, comfortable, and usable as well as stimulating, challenging, and thrilling for all users. Inclusive playgrounds do this by incorporating a variety of play elements throughout the playground, so children of all abilities can connect through a medium they all understand – play.
Browse through our selection of inclusive playground equipment, including spinning, sliding, climbing, themed, ground-level, and sensory playground equipment. Some can be accessed and used independently while others are designed with caretakers in mind; some are developed for children with sensory-processing or cognitive disabilities; certain products promote side-by-side play; and others allow children to withdraw from play when necessary.
Incorporate spinning & swinging elements
Swinging and spinning equipment are key fixtures at most playgrounds; however, they are especially important at an inclusive playground. These pieces provide children not only the thrill they want but the developmental progress they need.
Physically, the rotation of spinning equipment, like carousels and twisters, helps to develop the sense of balance and spatial awareness. Likewise, swinging trains balance and spatial awareness plus coordination. There are social and emotional benefits as well. When playing together, children must listen to one another and negotiate how fast or slow to go, developing empathy and cooperation skills.
Take a look at some of our inclusive spinning and swinging equipment below.
Inclusive Carousels
Inclusive Swing & Swings Seats
Choose sensory playground equipment and ground-level play options
Inclusive playgrounds serve as a sensory-rich oasis, tailored to engage all children regardless of their sensory processing abilities. Interactive panels and textured pathways stimulate tactile and visual senses, promoting cognitive development. They are critical components of a sensory playground designed for inclusivity.
When choosing inclusive playground equipment, ground-level play options are also essential; they remove the barriers to participation, enabling children of all abilities unrestricted access to play experiences. Such inclusivity is particularly important for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges. Many inclusive playground structures, like our sensory dome or play towers with sensory play panels, have accessible, ground-level features for everyone to enjoy.
Sensory Playground Equipment
Ground-Level Play Options
Magazine
Universal Inclusion in Playgrounds
A peek at what you get:
A walkthrough of the best-in-class design principles behind an inclusive playground
A thorough checklist to get your inclusive design right
Inspirational inclusive cases from around the world
Our recommendation for the best inclusive playground products
Wheelchair-accessible playground equipment
Inclusive playgrounds must inherently facilitate ease of mobility, ensuring those with wheelchairs and assistive devices can approach, enter, and engage with all play areas unassisted. Ramps and wide decks are vital for ensuring a wheelchair-friendly play environment as they invite children of all mobility levels to explore alongside their peers without physical barriers.
Are you in the beginning of your planning phase? Check out your options for funding inclusive playgrounds or find more examples of accessible playgrounds here.
Inclusive Play Structures
Explore our inclusive play equipment
Inclusive inspiration from around the world
Children's Epilepsy Hospital, DK
The Epilepsy Hospital, Filadelfia is one of a kind in Denmark. The hospital is one of the best in the country and specializes in treating and diagnosing children with epilepsy and associated conditions.
The impressive new play area holds more than 120 inclusive play activities, carefully selected to offer play for children of all abilities.
Riverside Intermediate School, US
"It really facilitates making new friendships, building those relationships, and those kids who are a little slower to warm up, a little slower to get involved, and feel comfortable enough to reach out to other kids have a place they can go rather than sit and be isolated."
– Amy Samuelson, Parent-Teacher Organization
Frimley Lodge Park, UK
"We come again today. And we will be here next week and the week after."
– Hayley Auton, Mother
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Creating equity in play
Everyone can’t do everything, but making sure everyone can do something is how we create equity. You can create equity within your play space by taking an inclusive approach. That means incorporating play equipment that is accessible, comfortable, and usable as well as stimulating, challenging, and thrilling. Doing so allows children with physical or cognitive disabilities to move their bodies, expand their minds, stimulate their senses, and of course have fun – just like any other kid!
When you choose playground equipment from KOMPAN, you can be sure you’re putting inclusivity at the forefront. All of our play equipment is developed through research from the experts at KOMPAN Play Institute. This thoroughness and dedication to inclusion is why children are engrossed in our play panels, sand tables, and sensory domes; excited by favorites like the basket swing and universal carousel; and comfortable enough on our hammocks and hangout spots to relax and reregulate. Whether they're looking to play individually, side-by-side with peers, get in the center of the action, or simply needing to take a break, they'll have options with KOMPAN's inclusive playground equipment.
Looking to provide all children in your community equal access to play? Reach out today to get your project started.