Playgrounds are an institutional element of childhood. They’re a place where children from everywhere can come together to laugh, play, and grow. At least, that’s true if a playground is accessible and secure. The need for safe spaces to play and inclusive playgrounds is also a priority for parents. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, 90% of Americans strongly feel that playgrounds should offer options for as many kids as possible.
This is where a company like AAA State of Play comes in. The commercial playground equipment supplier is helping lead the charge toward inclusive, safe, holistic designs for play equipment.
Designing for Every Body: The Rise of Inclusive Playgrounds
While playgrounds may be a familiar concept, “inclusive playgrounds” (also called accessible playgrounds or universal playgrounds) is a new term for many. This refers to spaces that are accessible to children of all abilities.
Meeting inclusive requirements safely and sustainably takes an above-and-beyond investment. AAA State of Play explains in their Playground Accessibility Guide, “Accessible playgrounds are those that have gone beyond the guidelines and specifically consider the needs of children with disabilities.”
It is important to note that, traditionally, this has focused on ADA (Americans with Disabilities) physical standards. In 2025, the definition of inclusivity has expanded to encompass physical, cognitive, and sensory capabilities. Neurodiversity and sensory elements have come to the forefront and must be considered in truly “inclusive” spaces.
Key Features of Inclusive Playground Design
What does this widening and comprehensive commitment to inclusivity look like when you start to put up plastic walls and pour rubber mulch? Here are a few common traits.
Physical Focus Points of Inclusive Playgrounds
- Smooth, flat surfaces that eliminate steps and hills for wheelchair accessibility.
- Modified climbing frames for partially sighted or blind children.
- Benches adjacent to swings are designed for adults to assist children with additional needs.
- Multiple exit and entry points for a smoother, less anxious, and less overwhelming traffic flow.
Neurodiverse and Sensory Focus Points of Inclusive Playgrounds
- Quiet zones or calming spaces to avoid overwhelm.
- Sensory play equipment, like bead blocks or braille panels.
- Equipment oriented toward the center of the playground to foster inclusive engagement and supervision
A Focus on Building Community Through Collective Interactions
The key focus throughout all of these efforts is to create ways for children to engage together whenever possible. A truly inclusive playground must not alienate or exclude groups or individuals based on individual circumstances. They should seek ways to bring everyone together in a spirit of shared flourishing.
According to the nonprofit KIT (Kids Included Together), one of the primary benefits of inclusivity is that “through interaction with peers who have unique abilities and needs, children without disabilities learn how to work out conflicts peacefully and respectfully by listening to their peers’ ideas and feelings, and following rules set by the group.”
AAA Safety First: Smarter Materials and Layouts
Safety is the other side of the commercial playground coin. Materials are a major factor that heavily defines how modern playgrounds stay safe while being used by a wide range of children with different needs. AAA State of Play has invested in future-proof safety standards by building its business model around adherence to ADA-compliant codes with all of its commercial playground equipment.
An example of this is accessibility with taller pieces. AAA playground packages are well-balanced in terms of the number of ground and elevated components in each setup. They also include the correct number of transfer stations on higher structures.
Another example is rounded edges and modular equipment. This allows each school or organization to tailor its playground to meet safety standards in its unique situation. Even things like intentionally well-ventilated shade structures and spaces within a playground can factor into safety considerations in warmer climates.
Sustainable Playground Safety
Once a playground is in place, there is a growing emphasis on maintenance, as well. Common safety challenges are often exacerbated by outdated equipment — even if that equipment was initially safe. Schools want commercial-grade equipment, not lower-quality residential solutions, as that prolongs the lifespan of each playground.
Poorly maintained surfaces are another concern. These create the potential for trip-and-fall injuries and must be taken into account during ongoing maintenance.
In response, companies like AAA State of Play have worked to help their partner schools and businesses implement impact-absorbing surfaces like engineered wood fiber mulch, rubber mulch, or poured-in-place rubber surfacing.
Beyond Equipment: Social and Emotional Learning Through Play
Playgrounds are more than a space to run, jump, and climb. They are unique, deliberate environments where children can learn to interact, collaborate, and build confidence.
While this is true in a general sense, a lack of inclusivity in the past has prevented playgrounds from serving this purpose for everyone. The increasing focus on safety and accessibility by companies like AAA State of Play ensures that the playgrounds of today and tomorrow serve as tools for parents, caregivers, and educators to help children learn, grow, and thrive.
Photo by Jonathan Chan; Unsplash
