Designing Inclusive Play Areas: Accessibility in Recreation

Access to play is a fundamental right we believe every child deserves, not a luxury. Opportunities for active, independent play are essential for children’s development, health, emotional well-being, and social development. When we design outdoor spaces with accessibility at the forefront, we’re creating a space for these opportunities to flourish. Inclusive play environments help build stronger, more compassionate communities by making sure no one is left out – including parents, siblings, caregivers, and elders.

At MRC Recreation, we believe inclusive design is about more than ADA compliance. It's about creating joyful, equitable experiences for everyone, every day.

What Does an Inclusive Play Area Really Mean?

“Inclusive” and “accessible” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Accessibility ensures that individuals with disabilities can physically access a space, from the parking lot to the play area. Accessibility is a legal requirement, defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A good way to think of the ADA requirements are as the foundation, not the ceiling, for inclusion. Inclusion goes a step further—making sure everyone feels welcomed and engaged. Inclusivity encompasses accessibility and then stretches beyond it. True inclusive play combines physical access with thoughtful design that considers a wide range of physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional needs. Universal design is the guiding principle here: Designing spaces that are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation.

Read more: Inclusivity vs. ADA Compliance in Parks

Key Elements of Accessible Playgrounds

ADA compliance requires several key elements that serve as a great foundation of accessibility to build upon. Each of these elements serve a dual purpose: function + fun!

• Accessible Routes: Paths that connect parking lots, restrooms, and playgrounds should be smooth, wide, and free of obstacles. They need to connect to every entry and exit point – consider all the possibilities. These routes allow wheelchair users and others with mobility devices to move independently and safely. Design matters here: It’s not just about meeting the baseline standard. It’s about comfort, flow, and dignity.
• Surfacing Materials: Surfacing is one of the most important—and overlooked—elements of inclusive playgrounds. Engineered wood fiber, poured-in-place rubber, and turf systems each offer different pros and cons. Choose options that provide both safety and ease of mobility for assistive devices, strollers, and caregivers.
• Transfer Stations & Ramps: Elevated structures should include multiple ways to access them. Ramps create independence for many users, and extra-wide ramps allow for multiple mobility devices to enter the play area without a traffic jam. Transfer stations allow children who use mobility devices to move onto play structures with minimal assistance. A variety of entry points is extremely important to allow more kids to comfortably play together.
• Sensory-Rich Experiences: Sensory play invites children to engage with textures, colors, sounds, and movement. Tactile panels, interactive musical instruments, and motion-based equipment (like spinning seats or sway benches) create a play experience that’s stimulating and diverse without being overwhelming.
• Variety of Play Styles: Not every child wants to climb a tower or go down a slide. Offering quiet nooks, social spaces, and creative, pretend play elements (like storefront panels or cozy cottages) allows children to choose the type of interaction that suits their mood and abilities. Variety makes a space more welcoming and less intimidating.

Beyond ADA: Designing for Real Inclusion

The ADA is crucial, but it’s only the starting point, the foundation which we build upon. Real inclusion means thinking beyond – creating environments that serve a spectrum of sensory, behavioral, and developmental needs. Design features like quiet zones, guiding signage, and contrasting colors for better navigation help children with autism, ADHD, or visual impairments feel secure and empowered. Inclusion can embrace cultural quality, break down psychological and emotional barriers, and create an atmosphere of respect, awareness, independence, and learning that benefits the whole community. With our partners at PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research, and Education (CORE), we’re elated to provide a comprehensive guide – 7 Principles of Inclusive Design – developed in collaboration with Utah State University’s Center for Persons with Disabilities, to provide you evidence-based solutions.

Collaborating with Communities for Inclusive Design

Truly inclusive spaces are shaped by the people who use them. That’s why community engagement is key. Hosting listening sessions, involving local disability advocates, and inviting families to co-create the vision ensures the final design reflects lived experiences. MRC specializes in this kind of collaboration – bringing voices together to design places that feel personal, safe, and inspiring. Recently, we worked with Children and Adult Disability and Educational Services (CADES) in Delaware County, Pennsylvania to create a revolutionary inclusive playground. CADES led the way with their ambitious, clear goal, and are a testament to what’s possible when communities prioritize inclusivity.

Read more: Bridging Barriers Through Play: The CADES Inclusive Playground Project

MRC’s Expertise in Inclusive Play

MRC Recreation is proud to be a trusted resource for inclusive design expertise. Through our work with GameTime and our partnership with CORE, we offer evidence-based design strategies grounded in the latest research on childhood development, accessibility, and social inclusion. Whether you're planning a neighborhood pocket park or a large regional destination, we help you ensure your space is welcoming to all.

Ready to make a difference in your community? MRC Recreation is here to help you create vibrant, inclusive play areas that prioritize accessibility and connection. Whether you’re looking to renovate an existing space or start fresh with a new project, our team is ready to guide you through design, funding, and implementation. Let’s build something meaningful, together.