---
title: Are Inclusive & Sensory Playgrounds the Same Thing?
description: An inclusive playground is one that offers handicap accessibility and provides a physical, social, and sensory experience that everyone can share together.
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---

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# Articles

# Are Inclusive & Sensory Playgrounds the Same Thing?

 Posted by [May Recreation Content Team](https://info.mayrecreation.com/blog/author/may-recreation-content-team) on  September 25, 2018

![Group of people representing the human senses](https://info.mayrecreation.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Group%20of%20people%20representing%20the%20human%20senses.jpeg)

![Group of people representing the human senses](https://info.mayrecreation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Group%20of%20people%20representing%20the%20human%20senses.jpeg?width=186&name=Group%20of%20people%20representing%20the%20human%20senses.jpeg)All children need and deserve safe and fun playgrounds. There are abundant options for playground designs that don't just meet ADA requirements, but that also create a very special environment for inclusive play and interaction between children of all abilities. Playgrounds should offer opportunities for a thrilling experience to all children. [May Recreation](https://mayrecreation.com/) designs inclusive playgrounds and components that provide access and exciting interaction for all children.

### ****What are Inclusive and/or Sensory Playgrounds?****

An inclusive playground is one that offers handicap accessibility, integrates fun and engaging playground equipment that all children can enjoy, and provides an interactive environment that facilitates a physical, social and sensory experience that everyone can share together. 

A sensory playground is one that contains playground equipment/elements that stimulate one of the seven senses - touch, movement, smell, taste, sight, hearing and balance. 

Inclusive playgrounds and sensory playgrounds are essentially the same thing. The goal with both of these playgrounds is to ensure a playground design that gives all children the opportunity to play together side by side.

[![Why Build an Inclusive Playground?](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2433501/11e03ede-8dbc-4269-a76d-d4dff215787a.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2433501/11e03ede-8dbc-4269-a76d-d4dff215787a)

### ****Why are Inclusive and/or Sensory Playgrounds Important?****

Besides being beautiful and so much fun for children and parents to enjoy, the neighborhood playground contributes many important benefits to a community’s well-being. Inclusive and sensory  playgrounds enhance those benefits by providing:

- Multisensory experiences important for motor skills, strength, sensory and cognitive development
- Social skills development through cooperative and collaborative group play. Inclusive playground designs go further to provide every visitor with the opportunity for a successful experience, regardless of capabilities
- Healthy physical activity
- Relaxation space
- High-quality bonding opportunities for parents and children
- Youth opportunities for wholesome pastimes
- Important mental and physical health effects of spending time in green spaces
- Increased residential property values for park-adjacent homeowners
- Ecological benefits and wildlife habitat

### ****Who can benefit from an Inclusive and/or Sensory Playground?****

A handicap-accessible playground allows children with mobility issues to play like all of the other children. Play is essential for learning self-confidence, social skills and other basic aspects of human development.

A sensory playground allows children with Autism or Sensory Integration Disorders to benefit from a playground by stimulating their senses, allowing them to interact on a deeper, more meaningful level than they would on a regular playground.

For all children, connecting with those of different abilities encourages empathy and develops stronger social and emotional skills that prepare them for working and living as adults in a diverse world.

Parents and grandparents far outnumber children with disabilities. Cross-generational playtime is essential to building strong family bonds. Accessible playgrounds allow adults with mobility issues to go to the park with their child.

### ****Features of Inclusive and/or Sensory Playgrounds****

An inclusive playground design goes beyond basic ADA requirements for playground equipment and wheelchair access. An inclusive playground provides:

- Wide paths between playground components, allowing all children to walk or roll between equipment
- Surfaces that are easy to use on crutches, in a wheelchair or with other mobility devices
- Relaxing areas for children who may need quiet space if they become overwhelmed
- Special-needs play equipment that is included with the other outdoor playground equipment, not separated, allowing children to play together
- Play equipment that is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways by all children

### ****May Recreation****

May Recreation is an official dealer of outdoor playground equipment. Our playground design representatives are well-skilled in inclusive playground design. We can help you create a fully customized outdoor playground. For more information about inclusive playgrounds, contact [May Recreation](https://mayrecreation.com/contact-us/) to schedule an appointment to meet with a playground design expert.

[Inclusivity](https://info.mayrecreation.com/blog/topic/inclusivity)

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