Discover how playgrounds have evolved!
Playgrounds have evolved to become inclusive, nurturing environments for kids. With a collection of playground components including slides, climbers, spring riders, swings, and beyond, these spaces are transforming into innovative spaces for all.
MVP Playgrounds promotes modern, inclusive play for all kids! From the commercial quality playground equipment surfacing options we provide to an assortment of playground components, our playgrounds are intentional to the communities we serve. Learn more about the modern playground in today’s post.
How Playgrounds Have Evolved
The playground of the past may have had separate play structures such as swings and a slide, with a couple of other features sprinkled in. Today, playgrounds are expansive and center a prominent — often multi-tiered — play structure that wraps and winds throughout, allowing children of all abilities to spend hours outdoors without a hint of boredom!
From traditional multi-tiered playgrounds that feature spiral slides and a fireman pole to exciting new playground structures with vertical horizon climbers and bent rung vertical ladders, there is no doubt that playgrounds have changed.
Even small changes such as musical instruments and play panels have added to modern playground’s innovative features — modern playground designs have more of a linear structure that has circuit patterns.
And the most important part? Outdoor Playgrounds for sale are created for inclusive play that provides children of all abilities to enjoy the playground. For the last decade, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) revised their playground requirements to improve ramps and travel routes to be more compliant.
It also determined what kind of play should be represented, including those with a vision impairment. It also considered how things like playground surfacing affected inclusivity. Those in wheelchairs could be physically blocked from the playground because there were no pathways to get to it, and more often than not, their wheelchairs would sink into the mulch or gravel.
Playgrounds before 2010 may have been deemed accessible, but they were not inclusive. An inclusive playground ensures that kids of all abilities can play — there is a multitude of options for everyone to enjoy.
A non-inclusive playground prevents kids with disabilities from accessing core parts of the play structure. Not only do they not benefit from the physical aspect of play, but it also limits the socioemotional and growth and development benefits that happen on a playground — if a playground is not inclusive, it leaves many kids out and strips them of very valuable and formative experiences.
The Modern Playground
Today’s play structures are centered around inclusivity with playgrounds that involve a wide variety of types of play and options for every ability. There are stations for physical fun, growth and development games, social interactions, and so much more.
The new affordable playground sets have many aspects of inclusivity — explore how a modern and inclusive playground differs from those of the past.
Multi-Faceted Play
A playground that takes a multi-faceted approach to play, creates a richness of play — experiences are sensory-focused, cognitive, social, and physical.
Swings – There are specific adaptive swings for all abilities to enjoy, along with a variety of wheelchair hookups and harnesses.
Musical Instruments – Many playgrounds feature musical instruments built into the play structure that is on the ground level for everyone to access, but it also is great for kids with auditory limitations to learn about the echoes and vibrations of sound.
Slides – Slides are at a variety of heights and situated on the different tiers of the play structure, and feature anti-static coatings to keep those with cochlear implants protected. Adaptive slide designs are also being implemented in new playground designs with a bench-like area at the bottom to allow those with devices to have a safe place to wait.
Social Spaces
Social play is bountiful on a playground — how kids interact with each other is different than how they interact with adults. This is the type of play where they develop social skills and learn about cooperation, sharing, self-advocating, and negotiation.
Having social play available is important — those who want to engage, can. Kids can choose when and how they want to engage, especially when those activities are readily available.
Playgrounds have traditional areas for social play including areas for basketball and foursquare, as well as play structures with play panels. These activities provide kids the opportunity to learn more about logic, self-regulation, and strategy.
Mindful Design
The layout and the playground equipment are what truly make a playground inclusive. It’s integral to provide access to different parts of the playground through safe pathways, wide steps, ramps, and elevated heights for those with devices such as wheelchairs or walkers.
Being on the top tier of a playground for a kid who didn’t previously have access is incredibly powerful. Planning the layout is also important because you can implement safe zones for kids on the autism spectrum that is in an area that is off the central path, and better limits sensory disturbances.
Color also plays a large role in accessibility. For those with sensory processing disorders, overly bright equipment can be extremely unpleasant, so opting for more neutral colors can be beneficial. Steps and risers can also alternate color for those with perception or low vision concerns.
Build A New Playground With MVP Playgrounds Today!
If your commercial playground installation was built before the ADA added requirements for play structure inclusivity in 2010, you may have an old, outdated playground that needs some revitalization. Update your playground to reflect new, modern playgrounds that center inclusivity.
At MVP Playgrounds, we can help you design and implement the perfect commercial outdoor playground for your facility from schools, HOAs, and apartments to churches, daycares, and community parks. Updating your playground to reflect the ADA requirements not only builds a new place for kids to play, but it’s inclusive to all abilities.
We can work with you to tailor a play structure to fit the needs of your community with features such as neutral colors, wheelchair- and adaptive device-safe playground surfacing, playground ramps and bordering, anti-shock component coatings, and so much more!
Create a fun, positive experience for every child with MVP Playgrounds today!
