By Michelle Barry, the team leader for child health promotion at Healthy Cities Illawarra.
Play is the basic right of all children, and an inclusive playground should be the norm, with the multiple benefits of including all children with different abilities.
Accessibility is a big plus but really is only one small part of making a playground truly inclusive. Allowing for children (and adults) of all abilities to play, interact and socialise together promotes respect, self-esteem, empathy and overall community engagement.
A truly inclusive playground looks to appeal to all the senses, while ensuring accessible design, shelter and fencing. These three play spaces are my pick for including all children in the Illawarra.
Luke’s Place is fully fenced, has water play, nest swings, roundabouts and a no-step slide. In the middle of Corrimal, it's easy to access (although no direct parking is attached) and it is a central point for all children to gather to play. It facilitates inclusiveness with communication boards, including Braille for those who use it. With a fun train, it’s a great interactive playground for all and the fencing makes it safe and supportive for children.
While this is not a playground as such, this play space has opened up and deserves a mention for inclusivity. It’s a specifically designed play space for all children to play with a purpose. I took my toddler here over the school holidays and with 14 different types of swings, she was in sensory and vestibular heaven! It's got so many pieces of equipment (great for older ages too, which doesn’t always happen at playgrounds) and a safe and secure place for all children to play without having to say sorry.
Livvi’s Place in Mollymook is part of a playground network inspired by a young girl, Olivia, who passed away from a rare disease. There is a strong focus on play for all and having a network of play spaces across Australia that all people can use with ease, where they can connect and differences are not a factor. The Mollymook one is fully fenced, with inclusive play equipment and lift and changing facilities all next to the beach. Definitely one to check out.
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