---
title: Inclusive Features to Positively Enhance Park Experiences for All Visitors
description: Use this inclusive park checklist to design welcoming, accessible spaces that enhance play, comfort, and connection for visitors of all ages and abilities.
---

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# [Inclusive Features to Positively Enhance Park Experiences for All Visitors](https://www.playcore.com/news/inclusive-features-to-positively-enhance-park-experiences-for-all-visitors)

 Written by [Admin](https://www.playcore.com/news/author/admin) | Oct 14, 2023 1:00:00 PM

In order to create inclusive community park experiences, considerations must include the needs of the whole environment and the whole community. Use this comprehensive park checklist to thoughtfully create a welcoming atmosphere and outdoor play and recreation destinations that are more usable, by more people, to the greatest extent possible.

### **1. Parking**

- - More than the minimum required accessible parking spaces that include van spaces with wider access aisles and appropriate signage.
    - Parking areas conveniently located to create an accessible route to the park entrance(s).

### **2. Pathways**

- - Firm and stable surface materials along accessible connecting routes (concrete, asphalt, or boardwalk preferred).
    - Railings and edge protection on routes with running slopes greater than 5% or where there is a drop off.

### **3. Surfacing**

- - Unitary, fall attenuating safety surfacing, such as poured-in-place rubber provides the most consistent surface for accessibility in play and recreation environments.
    - Various surface materials textures or colors to provide cues to help visually organize the environment so that it is easier to navigate and understand.**  
      **

### **4. Playgrounds**

- - Robust assortment of activities that thoughtfully meet the physical, social-emotional, communication, sensory, and cognitive needs of all people, including those with disabilities.
    - Go beyond the minimum ADA Standards for Accessible Play Areas to meet the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design®, the only evidence-based design best practices for inclusive play environments. Visit playcore.com/inclusion to request the design guidebook.
    - Selection of playground equipment that has intentionally been designed to provide additional gross motor and fine motor supports for more active, independent play.
    - Accessible routes to, around, and on the play equipment, using unitary safety surfacing and accessible ramps.**  
      **

### **5. Wayfinding**

- - Accessible visual signage that identifies accessible routes and facilities within the site
    - Picture symbols to identify equipment with raised images, words, Braille, etc.
    - Bilingual options on signage, QR codes with videos, or options to download in different languages.
    - Detailed website information about the park and inclusive features.
    - Tactile 3D site models where possible.
    - Various surface material textures or colors to provide behavioral cues and help visually organize the environment so that it is easier to navigate and understand.

### **6. Site Amenities**

#### **a. Accessible Toilet and Bathing Facilities:**

- - - - Accessible sink(s) with touchless operation.
                  - Paper towel/hand drying features within accessible reach ranges.
                  - Family/Unisex restroom with at least one adult size changing table.
                  - Signage with Braille characters and raised pictorial symbols at toilet room doors.

#### **b. Picnic Tables:**

- - - - Tables positioned on an accessible route and protected from weather by using shade or shelters where possible.
                  - Wheelchair spaces integrated into picnic tables which allow space for multiple individuals that use mobility devices to comfortably gather at the same table and offer choices of where to sit.

#### **c. ****Benches/Sitting Areas:**

- - - - Adjacent accessible wheelchair spaces/areas near benches with a firm and stable surface.
                  - Shade trees or shade structures surrounding seating areas to increase comfort.
                  - Back and armrests on benches when possible.
                  - Benches with charging ports for personal electronic devices and mobility devices.

#### **d.**** Shade and Shelters:**

- - - - A combination of integrated shade (manufactured) and natural shade (tree canopy) offers relief from elements and increased comfort.
                  - Shade shelters and pavilions on an accessible route and provide a firm and stable surface throughout.

#### **e.**** Drinking Fountains and Water Bottle Filling Stations:**

- - - - A wheelchair accessible and a standing height drinking fountain provided at each location.
                  - Stations to include accessible features such as switch/bar or automatic touchless sensors.

#### **f. Universal Fields:**

- - - - Each area of sport activity is connected with at least one accessible route.
                  - Unitary surfacing on fields that permit wheelchair access and play.
                  - Wheelchair accessible dugouts with a wheelchair space adjacent to team benches.

#### **g. Customer Service Areas:**

- - - - Wheelchair accessible sales and service counters no higher than 36 inches.
                  - Accessible point of sale systems.
                  - Condiment stations within accessible reach ranges.
                  - Menus in large print, pictures, and Braille.

#### **h. Bleachers/Spectator Seating:**

- - - - Wheelchair spaces integrated within each spectator seating area.
                  - Circulation paths are behind the designated wheelchair spaces to avoid obstructing the view.

#### **i. Aquatic Play Environments:**

- - - - Aquatic access wheelchairs of varied sizes for adult and child visitors are available to use.
                  - Changing/bathing facilities include an accessible changing bench.
                  - Showers provide a handheld shower device and a shower bench for transfer in each accessible shower.

#### **j. Dog Parks & Pet Amenities:**

- - - - Pet waste, water stations, and gate latches are positioned at an accessible approach, reach heights, and operation for individuals using mobility devices.
                  - Accessible route and surface to and throughout the environment.

#### **k. Adult Outdoor Fitness Parks:**

- - - - Universally designed equipment that provides individuals using mobility devices the opportunity to engage in aerobic and muscle strengthening activities alongside others.
                  - Accessible routes of travel to and around the equipment and include safety surfacing when appropriate.
                  - Signage with simple graphics and verbiage for instruction or QR codes to provide video instruction.

#### **l. Musical Instruments:**

- - - - Musical elements installed on an accessible route with a hard surface, and at an appropriate height so that individuals of various sizes and individuals using wheelchairs can comfortably approach and reach the activity.
                  - Adapted mallets to promote independence and usability for individuals that need additional fine motor support.

#### **m. Communication:**

- - - - Opportunities for visitors to communicate through pictures and/or symbols that are easy to recognize, paired with the written word, and are organized using color-coding to represent different parts of speech.
                  - Communication Boards installed on an accessible route with a hard surface, at an appropriate height so that individuals of various sizes and individuals using wheelchairs can comfortably approach and point to or gaze at picture symbols.
                  - Printed communication boards for download or available to check out for visitors and/or their caregivers to use in preparation for and during their visit.

### **Special Events & Programming:**

- - Activities located on accessible routes and with accessible surfacing.
    - Accessible portable toilet facilities and parking at temporary events.
    - Sign language or bilingual interpretation at special events.
    - Special events designed and marketed to include people of all abilities to play and interact with each other in meaningful play and interaction.
    - Adaptive equipment such as all-terrain wheelchairs, adaptive swing harnesses, adaptive switches for play panels that offer switch capability, and adaptive sports equipment available for visitors to check out or to use during programs/events.
    - ‘Sensory Kits’ that include noise cancelling headphones, fidget toys, communication boards or picture symbols, or other adaptive tools available for visitors to reserve/check out.

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