What Exactly is Fully Inclusive Playground Equipment?

Fully Inclusive Playground Equipment Guidelines:

According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association, nearly 9 out of 10 Americans agree that communities playgrounds should have a variety of play options for children of all abilities. Zoom Recreation is proud to offer a range of innovative, fully-inclusive playground equipment which allows for everybody to share in the joy that a playground brings to a community.

NRPA flier emphasizing community demand for fully inclusive playground equipment

The U.S. Access Board’s official guidelines pertaining to play areas require that a percentage of all play options at any public playground are accessible to children of all abilities. For example, it is required that half of the elevated play structures in a given play area are accessible by ramp or transfer system.

Freestanding ADA Play Equipment:

Two of our favorite options for freestanding inclusive equipment are shown below.

Inclusive Orbit and Lunar Rover

The Inclusive Orbit is a freestanding spinner that makes wheelchair access by the surface-level platform easy. The Orbit encourages playful cooperation and children of different abilities can use it simultaneously. The Orbit is a uniquely exciting option because it allows children in wheelchairs to safely play in motion. The Orbit’s ground level accessibility and safety bars make it a great alternative to the more commonly found structures for play in motion such as a swing set or monkey bars, which are not considered safe play options for children in wheelchairs.

Inclusive Orbit allows children in wheelchairs an easy way to play in motion with others.

Interior View of Inclusive Rover which shows wheelchair accessibility.

Exterior view of Fully Inclusive Rover shows ground accessibility and UV shade structure

Containing design elements like Mission Control and an air pump for oxygen supply, the Lunar Rover offers an imaginative addition to any outdoor commercial playground area. As a dramatic play vehicle that is accessible from the ground, the rover features a open back for wheelchair accessibility and two steering wheels to encourage imaginative play. Keep children protected from the sun and UV Rays with the integrated shade topper. The Rover stands out at any playground, and fosters creativity and communication.

Elevated Fully Inclusive Playground Equipment:

Along with incorporating freestanding items to the space, it is critical to add an elevated commercial playground structure to make an inclusive playground design complete. As previously noted, it is necessary to provide accessible ramps and transfer stations for at least half of the elevated play components on any given playground. An elevated structure that incorporates these requirements and exceeds ADA requirements is pictured below.

This Fully Inclusive Elevated Playground Structure Uses a Ramp System For ADA Access

Notice how this structure has an entry ramp which makes accessing various play components on the structure a simple and efficient process. Also, there is the option to include a transfer station for ADA Access to an elevated structure as an alternative to an entry ramp. Transfer stations are located on the first platform of an elevated structure. An ADA Transfer Platform has an opening with no railing on one side of the platform to allow wheelchair accessibility. Please see the transfer station below for an example:

Note the circled area in this photo which shows where the ADA Transfer Platform is located. This allows the child to easily transition out of their wheelchair and onto the deck.

Zoom Recreation offers more exciting and innovative options for inclusive play that will make your playground stand out. You can find out more information about our products on our website.

Need Help?

Let Our CPSI Consultants assist in your fully inclusive playground equipment design! We specialize in creating spaces that offer play elements for children of all ages and abilities!

We’re ready to help you find the perfect solution. Give us a call at 866-234-3392 or visit our Contact Us page to get started on your preliminary design! Stay up to date by following us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Check out our blog to learn more about all things play!