Bridging Barriers Through Play:
The CADES Inclusive Playground Project

In the heart of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Children and Adult Disability & Educational Services (CADES) is redefining possibilities for individuals with disabilities. This non-profit powerhouse offers comprehensive support from early learning and schooling for 150 students to adult residential care. But their latest achievement? A revolutionary inclusive playground that's changing the game.

Partnering with our design experts at MRC and equipment specialists at GameTime, CADES has created more than just a play space. They've built a vibrant community hub where ability differences vanish and pure joy takes center stage.

Let's explore how our innovative design and commitment to inclusion have transformed a patch of land in Swarthmore into a beacon of universal play, setting a new gold standard for accessible recreation nationwide.

A Vision of Inclusion 

CADES faced a significant challenge in Swarthmore: creating a playground that could serve the diverse needs of a community where over 16% of residents —more than 250,000 children and adults — live with disabilities. Their goal was ambitious yet clear: to design a space where everyone could play together, regardless of ability. They decided to build it on the grounds of their properties and turned to us at MRC and GameTime to get to work.

Designing for Everyone 

At MRC, we approached this project with GameTime, our longtime partner, with a deep understanding of inclusive design principles and the community's diverse needs. Our team knew creating a truly inclusive space meant going beyond basic accessibility. It required a holistic approach considering physical, cognitive, and sensory needs across all ages and abilities.

To achieve this, we applied the Seven Principles of Inclusive Playground Design from PlayCore: 

• Be Fair: Ensuring equitable use for all 
• Be Included: Promoting social participation 
• Be Smart: Offering age and developmentally-appropriate challenges 
• Be Independent: Supporting autonomous use
• Be Safe: Prioritizing user safety and comfort 
• Be Active: Encouraging physical activity for all ability levels 
• Be Comfortable: Creating a welcoming sensory environment

These principles were a roadmap throughout our design process, influencing everything from equipment selection to layout planning. Our designers carefully considered how each playground element would contribute to an inclusive experience, ensuring that every child or adult would feel included and able to participate.

Features That Foster Inclusion 

The CADES Inclusive Playground is a testament to our thoughtful design and innovative equipment selection. We worked closely with GameTime to select and customize features that accommodate different abilities and encourage interaction and shared experiences among all users.

The playground showcases a variety of cutting-edge inclusive features: 

• A wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round that allows children of all abilities to enjoy the thrill of spinning together 
• Adaptive swings with full back support and secure harnesses 
• Multi-level climbers with transfer points for easy access 
• A large play structure featuring wide ramps and accessible platforms 
• A music garden with interactive panels that respond to touch and movement 
• Sensory-rich elements, including a textured water table and a raised sandpit 
• The Rock-n-Raft,  which has space for adults and children to rock together — the seats are at a transfer heigh, making it easy for someone with a mobility device to move into a seat on the raft
• The Roller Slide that uses rollers instead of plastic, providing a sensory experience without the “hair-raising” static electricity that can damage cochlear implants

Each of these components was carefully integrated into the overall design to create a cohesive play environment. We planned the layout to promote flow between different areas, allowing children to easily transition from one activity to another. Our team emphasized creating spaces encouraging social interaction, such as grouping swings and providing ample seating areas for caregivers.

Additionally, the selection of playground surfacing material was crucial. We chose a poured-in-place rubber surface that provides a stable, navigable foundation for wheelchairs and mobility devices while also offering cushioning for falls. This attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the playground contributes to its inclusive nature, making it a truly welcoming space for all.

A National Demonstration Site 

The playground's exemplary design earned it recognition as a National Demonstration Site for inclusive play by PlayCore. This prestigious designation acknowledges the playground's role in promoting physical activity, inclusivity, and community engagement through evidence-based design practices.

Ryan Stewart, a sales representative from GameTime, explained, "It is a national demonstration site for inclusion. It does meet all those key points. By combining that with fitting their unique footprint and needs, we were able to come up with solutions and move forward with our design."

Impact on the Community 

The CADES Inclusive Playground has become a cornerstone of community life in Swarthmore. It's not just a play space for children. It's a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors of all abilities.

One parent shared, "It's one thing to have it where it includes kids of all types and abilities, but when you can include their brothers and sisters, you can include their parents. That's what every one of us wants."

Building a More Inclusive Future

The CADES Inclusive Playground is a testament to what's possible when communities prioritize inclusivity. Our expertise at MRC in creating spaces that cater to all abilities has transformed a simple playground into a vibrant hub of connection, learning, and joy.

Are you inspired to create an inclusive space in your community? Reach out to us at MRC for a consultation. Our team of experts is ready to help you design a playground that breaks down barriers, fosters understanding, and brings the pure joy of play to everyone in your community.