NEW RESEARCH RELEASED ON INCLUSIVE PLAY DESIGN
27 Aug 2024
KOMPAN has released new resources for open space planners to build truly inclusive spaces where all children, regardless of their abilities, can play together. Published by their dedicated Play Institute (KPI), these materials are developed to support practitioners in choosing equipment for play spaces that provide equal opportunities for all children.
Too often, Australia’s parks, schools and community spaces are critiqued by the community for exclusively choosing standard equipment that doesn’t accommodate the diverse needs of children with disabilities. The new resources from KPI seek to change this by offering practical solutions that meet accessibility standards while fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging.
“Our vision is simple: play should be for everyone,” says Jeanette Fich Jespersen, Head of the KOMPAN Play Institute. “Inclusive playgrounds promote not just physical activity, but also social interaction and cognitive development. We want every child to feel empowered and included at the playground.” 
The key research document Play for All highlights an array of playground equipment options, designed with both fun and functionality in mind. These include ramps for wheelchair access, sensory panels for tactile exploration, and swings with harnesses for additional support. KOMPAN’s inclusive playgrounds also incorporate quiet zones for children who need a break from sensory overload, making these play spaces suitable for children with autism and other sensory processing challenges.
With this initiative, KOMPAN encourages schools, councils, and landscape planners across Australia to rethink playground design. The company offers comprehensive planning assistance to help communities and organisations integrate inclusive play solutions into their spaces. Resources that are readily available on their website include:
- Play for All publication that summarises best practices for inclusive play in 2024
- A checklist for ensuring inclusivity in a play area
- An inspirational inclusive play render to highlight recommendations
- Selected list of inclusive play equipment that best supports universal design principles
- Case studies of effective inclusive playgrounds from around the world.
Visit KOMPAN for more information about KOMPAN’s recommendations on inclusive play or to book a meeting with their play specialists.
