Designing Inclusive Playgrounds: Where to Start

Every playground project begins with good intentions. But when it comes to inclusion, good intentions aren’t always enough.

Inclusion isn’t a box to tick or a ramp to add at the last minute. It’s a way of thinking — and when done well, it leads to play spaces that work better for everyone.

Whether you're designing a new site or adapting an existing one, here's how to approach inclusive playground design from the ground up.

1. Understand What Inclusion Really Means

Inclusion is often confused with accessibility — but it goes much deeper.

Accessible design means someone can physically enter or use the space. Inclusive design means they’re welcomed, engaged, and able to participate meaningfully.

That includes:

• Children with mobility aids

• Neurodiverse users

• Children who are sensory-seeking or sensory-avoidant

• Those who prefer imaginative or social play over physical challenges

Inclusive playgrounds offer multiple ways to play, not just access to the same equipment.

2. Don’t Just Add Inclusive Features — Integrate Them

It’s not about adding a single “accessible roundabout” and calling it a day.

Truly inclusive spaces:

• Offer choices — different heights, textures, movement types

• Blend inclusive elements throughout the space, not just in one corner

• Consider siblings, carers and mixed-ability groups using the same space together

We often see well-meant designs that create separation — one zone for “mainstream” equipment and one for “SEND-friendly” kit. But segregation isn’t inclusion.

Design should invite shared experiences, not just parallel ones.

3. Think About Surfacing From the Start

The wrong surface can undo the best intentions.

Loose fill like bark or gravel may tick certain boxes, but it’s hard to push through, unstable for walkers, and inconsistent after heavy use.
The right surfacing:

• Allows smooth, level access across the site

• Includes clear pathways and transitions

• Works in wet weather and shaded zones

• Supports fall height requirements without compromising mobility

We always advise clients to plan surfacing hand-in-hand with layout — not as an afterthought.

4. Provide Places to Pause, Watch, and Rejoin

Not every child wants to jump in straight away. Inclusive design includes the edges, not just the action.

That might mean:

• Quiet spaces away from high-energy zones

• Semi-enclosed structures where children can regulate

• Seating at multiple levels (not just benches)

• Clear sightlines so users can observe before joining in

These moments matter — especially for neurodiverse children or those building confidence.

5. Ask the Right Questions Early

Inclusion starts in the brief. Ask:

• Who will use this space?

• What barriers do they face?

• How can we reduce sensory overload, physical barriers, or social exclusion?

• Are there opportunities for shared play across a range of abilities?

You don’t need all the answers — but asking the right questions early makes better decisions easier down the line.

Final Thought

An inclusive playground isn’t one that ticks the right boxes. It’s one that feels good to be in. One where more children can join in, in more ways, more of the time.

If you're designing a new space — or adapting an old one — and want to get it right from the start, we’re here to help.

We work closely with landscape architects, councils, and schools to ensure every playground we install meets real needs, not just generic standards.

Because inclusion isn’t an extra. It’s the standard.