Inclusive playgrounds are becoming in common in the west. Territories such as the United States, Canada, Western and Eastern Europe have seen their fair share of inclusive playgrounds being put up by countries, regions, shires and cities. In Asia, the earliest pioneer would be Singapore where its cities have begun introducing inclusive playgrounds to the community.
By promoting inclusive playgrounds to the community, we are becoming a more welcoming and a kinder society where we make kids and their families feel welcome. Children who are facing physical challenges have the opportunity to play, have fun and bond with other children as all inclusive playgrounds are designed to accommodate all children.
Here are the other benefits that Inclusive Playgrounds bring to communities:
- Building a More Inclusive Society – Inclusive playgrounds are designed to enable all children to experience the joys of playgrounds. Most of our fondest early memories are on the playground: making friends and playing with other children. Traditional playgrounds and play equipment is inaccessible to children with disabilities. But with inclusive playgrounds, all children have the chance to access the joys of play and be able to experience it with other kids.
A community with an inclusive playground is a welcoming and inclusive one. As our early memories involve playgrounds, inclusive playgrounds help us set the stage to make children feel welcome at an early age. In focusing on the grassroots, we are making society more inclusive.
- Broadening Awareness and Sensitivity – Inclusive playgrounds are designed for interactions and play for all children. It teaches them at an early age to understand, be more welcoming and encourage them to be friendly to kids who are different from them. By teaching sensitivity, awareness and compassion at an early age, we are molding their formative years into good and caring adults.
- Teaching Equality and Respect – Our earliest interactions are factors in shaping our outlook and personality. Children who are friends with children with disabilities are being taught a golden lesson to be more accepting to people with disabilities. This is also ingrains their perception on fairness and equality of society where we are striving to make all things more accessible to people with disabilities.
- Empathy and Humanity – To many, inclusive playgrounds are cradle grounds in developing empathy and understanding to children. With the guidance of their parents and the sensibilities they develop in their early interactions with children facing disabilities. Empathy, sensitivity and acceptance are among the core pillars of humanity as it strives to create a better world for all.
If you are a community playground manager or a commercial playground operator who is looking to create an inclusive playground by design and function, iREC, a playground manufacturer can assist and deliver a detailed inclusive playground plan. Contact iREC today: Call us at +63 047 250 2779 / +63 047 251 3139 or email sales@irec.ph to get in touch with our sales team.