You must consider several factors when designing an inclusive hospital playground, such as offering a variety of play equipment, removing potential barriers and establishing quiet play zones. It’s also crucial to cater to kids of different ages, promote accessibility and include sensory play equipment.

What Is an Inclusive Playground?

An inclusive playground provides an equally enjoyable experience for kids of different abilities. People often confuse inclusive with accessible. The difference between inclusive and accessible playgrounds is that accessible spaces meet standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Inclusive ones often meet ADA standards as well but are also meticulously designed to break down physical and social barriers to offer kids of different abilities, ages and backgrounds a space to just be kids.

The most significant benefit of inclusive playgrounds in hospitals is that they create a space for kids of different abilities to enjoy the beauty of play, which helps develop their social, cognitive, physical and mental health.

Inclusive playgrounds create a motivating and inclusive environment that offers kids with disabilities the physical and mental benefits of play.

How to Create an Inclusive Playground in a Hospital?

It’s essential to consider kids’ ability levels, disabilities and cognitive impairments to provide the right equipment and space. Here’s how to create an inclusive hospital play area:

Promote Accessibility for All

Ensuring accessibility is the first step in promoting a more inclusive play space for all kids. Key requirements for an accessible playground include:

• A fully accessible entrance and exit from the building or parking lot to the play area.
• A path along the perimeter of the playground that allows complete accessibility to the equipment.
• Playground surfacing that aligns with the ASTM 1951 and applies to all the materials used under and around playground equipment.
• A transfer station or direct play structure access like a ramp for kids using mobility devices.

While many playgrounds consider accessibility in terms of entrance and exit, it’s crucial to choose surfacing that’s ADA-compliant and easy for kids using mobility equipment. Two of the best examples are Pour-in-Place and Modular Tiles, which are easy to install and create wheelchair-friendly surfaces.

Offer a Variety of Playground Equipment

In a hospital setting where a diverse range of kids with disabilities and injuries are present, it’s essential to provide an equal opportunity to engage. These areas should use accessible equipment, offer sensory stimulation and provide various types of play. Here are some examples of inclusive playground equipment:

• Ramps: Ramps are crucial for any inclusive playground because they allow kids using wheelchairs to move freely through the area and feel a sense of independence.
• Handrails: Handrails allow kids to pull themselves up and maintain stability while providing a sense of added security when using the equipment. They are also used on ramps to allow ease of movement for various heights.
• Inclusive slides: Inclusive slides have a lower point of transfer with a side rail that allows kids using wheelchairs to pull themselves up and glide back down.

Cater to Different Age Groups

An essential part of making an inclusive playground is creating play spaces suitable for different age groups. For example, toddlers need smaller steps and lower decks and platforms for easier access, while older kids benefit from more social spaces and sporting equipment to promote compound and aerobic movements.

Remove Potential Barriers

When people think of barriers to play, they often only consider the physical ones. Research shows that social barriers are a significant hindrance to inclusive play for kids living with disabilities. Removing potential barriers to play involves ensuring kids of different abilities can enter the playground and join in the fun. For example, having most of the engaging social elements at higher levels of the playground may be a deterrent for kids using wheelchairs.

Ensure that most fun, fascinating and social elements are at ground level so kids with disabilities can feel safe and make new friends, too. Equipment can help make the area fun and social for all kids, like the Tap-A-Tune musical panel, which can be installed at ground level so kids of different abilities can play together comfortably.

Create Quiet Play Zones

Quiet play zones offer kids a sanctuary from the sensory-rich environment of typical playgrounds. It helps them self-regulate and take a break from the overload of stimuli. The standard design of these zones uses elements that create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Soft surfaces, gentle sensory activities, shaded seating areas and natural components like water features and plants instill a sense of safety. Quiet zones are especially critical to kids with cognitive impairments, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or disabilities that make social interactions challenging. The Bat Box is a shining example of an enclosed area that provides a calm space that promotes self-regulation.

Include Sensory Equipment

Sensory play stimulates the senses. It’s vital because it develops emotional awareness and helps kids navigate new experiences. Including sensory equipment in a hospital playground can help kids with illnesses or those living with disabilities to partake in the action and engage with their senses. Here are the five main types of sensory equipment to include:

• Tactile: This sensory play involves touching different textures and is typically applied as play panels or sandboxes.
• Auditory: Exposing kids to various sounds is essential for activity development. The Electronic Piano play panels are one example of an auditory sensory play equipment piece.
• Proprioceptive: Kids can develop their spatial and body movement awareness by using play elements that allow them to flex or stretch their muscles. Climbing soft foam sculptures like the Spiral Climb offer inclusivity to kids of various ability levels.
• Visual: Creating a visually engaging playground using contrasting colors and elements helps stimulate kids’ sight.
• Vestibular: Kids learn to improve their balance and motor skills by playing with interactive elements and observing how their bodies move through space.

Make Your Hospital Playground Inclusive With Soft Play®

Soft Play is the global leading distributor of contained playground equipment. We’ve been creating play areas for over 30 years and are passionate and knowledgeable about making playgrounds that are good for kids, parents and businesses. Our products follow standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

We offer customizable playgrounds to suit your budget and space so you can provide kids with entertaining environments for years to come. Feel free to contact us today so we can help you build an inclusive and welcoming playground for your hospital.