We Speak Playground

As screen time becomes more and more tempting for both children and parents, the importance of engaging in outdoor play remains as imperative to growth and development as it's ever been. In some ways, playgrounds haven't changed; they continue to offer opportunities for exploration and adventure, supporting physical, emotional, and social development in children.

In other ways, though, innovation in recent years has transformed playgrounds, making them more inclusive - and even therapeutic - for all children, but especially those with sensory disabilities. This is critical as we're becoming more aware of the prevalence of sensory processing disorders. One of those innovations is the addition of sensory panels.

Inclusive playgrounds are essential to modern communities, providing opportunities for children of all abilities to play, learn, and grow together.

These accessible spaces cater to the unique needs of every child, ensuring that physical, mental, and learning disabilities do not limit their enjoyment and participation.

Making a school playground inclusive is an all-in intentional effort. It’s more than building a ramp. While providing universal access is a major part, it's only a head start. The structures and equipment within the area need to encourage and challenge every child no matter what his or her abilities.

As adults going through a typical day, we often take our senses for granted. But remember back to when you were a child, and you never knew what wondrous sight, smell, or sound was awaiting you. You formed your opinions of foods by how they tasted, or in some cases how they smelled or felt.

Inclusive playgrounds have started popping up all over the nation, and for good reason. Their innovative designs elevate the community space by providing every kid with a safe and inviting place to play.

Playgrounds are wonderful places where kids can make friends, get some exercise and foster their development while having fun. Anyone who has been tasked with creating a toddler-friendly playground in a recreational park, school, church or other public space is likely to  need a few tips on what they need to consider when planning one. Our experts at May Recreation offer these tips for organizing and planning the perfect playground for toddlers.

Playgrounds are intended to serve all children, regardless of their physical or intellectual abilities. Unfortunately, not all playgrounds meet this objective. With proper planning and execution, however, you can create a space that meets the needs of everyone. 

Community and commercial playgrounds are designed and built to last for years and years of enjoyment, but all playgrounds must be assessed annually for equipment that needs to be upgraded or replaced.

Miracle Museum is the aptly named new-to-the-playground-industry children’s museum experience that can turn any space into a sensory rich play area. Children touch, listen, see, and play their way through the fantastical collection of products.

“When we were designing Miracle Museum, we were really focused on universal design … that means design for all, for all users,” said Craig Mellott, Innovation Manager, Miracle Recreation. “It’s approachable design, it’s fun design, it’s engaging design, it’s safe, it’s secure – it’s designed for all.”

The playground you set up for children at your daycare center should be designed to meet a wide range of needs for growing kids. Of course, you want to create a fun place that will encourage children under your care to play and get exercise (and enjoy plenty of fresh air and sunshine), but it also needs to encourage learning and socialization. That’s what’s best for promoting early childhood development.