7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design

"We believe in equity and inclusion, and we invest in research, programs, and continuing education to help communities advocate for innovative spaces."

The Science

Inclusive playgrounds make a fundamental statement about how communities value meaningful play experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Developed in partnership with Utah State University Center for Persons with Disabilities, PlayCore offers a comprehensive design program for creating truly inclusive play environments for people of all ages and abilities. The program defines 7 design principles that help create an embracing play experience by addressing the developmental needs of the whole child - intentionally providing opportunities for physical, cognitive, communicative, social/emotional, and sensory development. Implementation of the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design(R) helps create a unique and meaningful play environment that is usable by more people, to the greatest extent possible.

We have specifically tailored the  7 Principles of Universal Design, originally created for building design by the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University, to what all children want to feel and experience during outdoor play. No two universally designed play environment projects are alike, but in all play environments, children want to “be and feel” fair, included, smart, independent, safe, active, and comfortable during play. The 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design focus on the usage of individual play elements as well as the overall playground environmental design. After all, inclusive play is not solely about physically accessing and using an environment, it includes the social aspects of what happens once an individual gets there. 

Why Request the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design?

While access considers how to get children to the space, it doesn’t address ensuring they have opportunities to engage, nor does it address the full spectrum of people’s abilities. Inclusion isn’t about physical proximity; it embraces the mindfulness that other people may have a reality different from your own. It’s a way of thinking and making decisions so that everyone belongs. It’s about intentionally planning for the success of everyone. Environments designed with the guidelines intentionally address the physical and social inclusion of people of all ages and abilities. Rather than focus on disability, the program informs on how to celebrate ability, so that anyone who comes to the playground can play to the greatest extent possible.For communities wishing to move playgrounds beyond minimum access and create more usable play environments, the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design(R) provides a design philosophy that recognizes everyone’s right to fully participate in equitable play. 

Our playgrounds built using the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design are eligible for National Demonstration Site status and benefits.