Outdoor spaces make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of our communities.
Steady population growth, migration to urban areas and growing environmental concerns means sustainable development and outdoor spaces are more important than ever, not only to protect and conserve the natural environment but to maintain healthy, liveable communities.
With 70 per cent of the world’s population predicted to live in cities by 2050, international research shows communities with well-designed playgrounds and outdoor spaces will better nurture residents’ overall fitness, health and wellbeing, regardless of their age, as well as wider lifestyle and economic benefits (*1).
Little wonder then, that inclusivity and sustainability are key considerations when creating outdoor spaces for children, their families and communities.
Inclusion
By no means a new trend, the strong demand for inclusive playgrounds will continue to endure with the growing, crucial recognition that everyone needs and should be able to experience the pure joy and benefits of play, regardless of their age, ability or interests.
About 8 per cent (357,000) of Australian children aged 0-14 years and 11 per cent (95,000) of New Zealand children under 15 years live with a disability. UNICEF global research shows 51 per cent of children living with a disability are more like to feel unhappy and 41 per cent more likely to feel discriminated against compared to their able-bodied peers.
Inclusive play settings encourage friendships and social connection between different groups of children, promotes awareness and acceptance of diversity within the community, encourages all children to try new activities and challenges, along with fostering independence and confidence.
Best practice design enables children with and without disabilities – and their parents and caregivers – to play together in a space recognising that disability itself is highly diverse, spanning intellectual, sensory and speech, physical and psychological.
Utah State University research pinpointed 10 evidence-based practices of playground design that encourages children of all abilities to play together (*2):
- Circular playground design that links complementary activities;
- Playground equipment designed as common and recognisable objects;
- Props for imaginative play including play houses, musical equipment, sand and water play;
- Accessible surfacing and sufficient space for manoeuvring between and on pieces of equipment;
- Equal amounts of elevated and ground level components for gathering in groups, with appropriate ramps and access points;
- Equipment or activities that require more than one child to operate or play;
- Observation or “jump off” points;
- Comfortable or cozy places, often created by enclosed areas or pieces of equipment;
- Sensory stimulus activities and visual or tactile cues throughout the playground.
‘Access All Areas’ fun for every body can be seen in action at Memorial Park, Palmerston North, New Zealand, and Secret Harbour, Rockingham, Western Australia, to name just two examples, where a comprehensive range of inclusive and accessible play equipment was used to maximum effect.
Sustainability
Spending time in nature is good for everybody’s health and well-being, and green outdoor spaces are vital for healthy towns and cities too. Extensive research shows parks and nature-based recreation spaces in urban areas regulate extreme temperatures, reduce noise pollution, improve air quality, reduce runoff and improve water quality. These green reserves are often also home to a diverse range of wildlife, birds and plants (*3).
Sustainability is key to preserving and enhancing these valuable green outdoor spaces and making our world safer, healthier, cleaner and greener now and into the future.
Best practice playground design should inspire active, outdoor play filled with a mix of formal and natural equipment that targets physical, emotional and social benefits while enhancing the natural surroundings.
High-quality equipment manufactured from durable, natural and recyclable materials catering specifically to local play and fitness needs will safely last for years, which in turn reduces maintenance, minimises repair and replacement costs, and reduces waste.
Sustainably grown timber equipment transports children into a world of natural exploration and adventure, while elements such as rocks, sand and logs add new elements of physical challenge and enhance the local environment.
With updated guidelines now allowing plants and turf in playground fall zones, a more expansive range of flowers, shrubs and trees can provide a variety of naturally colourful, sensory and tactile experiences while fostering biodiversity in the local area.
Playground Centre worked with Gisborne City Council to create an eco-friendly playground at Queens Park Drive, incorporating materials and colours to enhance the lush, green surrounds and designed to make the most of the gently sloping site.
Similarly, a vibrant mix of colourful and natural timber equipment, stepping logs and other natural elements combine at the historic Little River Heritage Park, Christchurch, to enhance stunning surrounds popular with tourists, walkers and cyclists alike.
Register to obtain your free copy of Playground Centre’s All-Inclusive Fun Handbook, download your free copy of our Sustainability Brochure or contact our team today.
*1. Cities Alive: Designing for urban childhoods (December, 2017) ARUP, London. arup.com
*2. Evidence-based Practices for the Design of Inclusive Playgrounds that Support Peer Interactions Among Children with All Abilities, Courtney L Fernelius, Utah State University (2017)
*3. 8 positive effects of urban green space on the Environment and the People, Cubicoon, September 2021.