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Beyond the Minimums

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Advocacy & Impact Tools

Beyond the Minimums

Inclusion Intergenerational Play & Recreation

This guidebook provides a comprehensive approach to designing parks that are truly inclusive, ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy, navigate, and connect with the entire space. Rather than focusing on accessible features in isolation—this resource encourages planners, designers, and community leaders to consider the whole park experience. From arrival and parking to trails, restrooms, play areas, signage, and social spaces, every element contributes to a welcoming, comfortable environment.

The guide emphasizes universal design principles, offering practical strategies to create seamless transitions, and flexible spaces that accommodate a wide range of physical, cognitive, and sensory needs. It highlights the importance of community input, especially from people with disabilities, in shaping spaces that reflect real experiences and foster a sense of belonging.

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The Science

Addressing diversity in outdoor play and recreation environments demonstrates how a community respects and values all forms of inherent differences we possess as individuals. These differences might be obvious or invisible, slight or profound, and include age, race, gender, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, or ability. Ensuring access and ability to participate in parks and public  environments extends beyond the amenities used, it includes pathway networks, routes of travel, and a thoughtful approach to overall usage. 

Well-designed inclusive parks set the stage for all community members to gather and contribute to community capital, a greater appreciation for diversity, increased healthy behavior, and sustained repeated social interactions that increase civic engagement. Programs, special events, and marketing efforts that promote acceptance and understanding can create a deeper sense of belonging and a healthier place to live, work, and play. 

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Why Request Beyond the Minimums?

This guide highlights design thinking for whole park environments to encourage participation for all and includes insight on understanding diversity, inclusion and social equity in outdoor public environments, disability language tips and examples, and inclusive features to positively enhance park experiences for everyone!  PlayCore is proud to partner with Bill Botten, Accessibility Specialist, and Retired U.S. Access Board member to help community planners consider meaningful ways to ensure no one is excluded.

Program Request

Fill out the form below to request your copy of Beyond the Minimums