Design Framework
Larger image: Conceptual Design: overview of the play space and the play elements.Accessible playground Pioneer Park's play cottage
The design process outlined here is based on a method that involves user participation throughout the design process. This means that end users (children and families) will be involved in the planning, design development and construction components of each all abilities play space.
This translates to:
- Planning phase — understanding the needs and wants of the users with respect to the proposed environment and barriers that are experienced in existing playgrounds.
- Design development phase — ensuring the design captures the ideas of end users, responds to their needs and removes the barriers identified in planning phase.
- Construction phase — is not just about watching the area develop into the play space, rather it is about continuing the community's interest and developing ownership by engaging community members in the building process.
The former Disability Services Queensland developed a comprehensive User Participation in Design Framework based on these principles. First published in 2007, the design framework was compiled to inform and guide local governments, design professionals and all other stakeholders involved in the planning, design and construction of all abilities playgrounds.
Design approach: removing the barriers in play space design
All abilities playgrounds are play spaces where children of all abilities can play side-by-side with their siblings and friends, socialising and learning core skills which are a fundamental part of children's development.
The playground designs will focus on maximising the play experience, so that children of all ages and abilities can be active participants in interactive, challenging and inclusive play. Involving children with and without disabilities, and their families, in the design process enables them to have a voice and exercise control over how their needs are addressed in their local playground's design.
Design needs to place emphasis on what happens in the playground. One major approach currently observed in many accessible playgrounds is that access has only been considered in relation to physical access, that is, a ramp to a structure or pathways. What must also be considered in the design is the selection of play elements that will provide children with ample learning opportunities and social interaction with their peers and siblings.
Play can enrich children's learning in various developmental areas, such as:
- emotional
- social
- cognitive
- physical.
Outdoor play is a particularly important part of children's development. Well-designed outdoor play spaces allow children to play in a natural, outdoor setting, explore their world, learn new skills and socialise with friends and siblings. This need to learn and grow from play is no different for a child with a disability.
User participation in the creation of all abilities playgrounds
The project will encourage participation of playground users (children and families) throughout the creation of the play space.
This will be achieved by:
- Involving children and their families in planning of the playground.
- Establishing a community and/or family reference or focus group to make collective decisions regarding issues that were identified during design development.
- Establishing a community project as part of the construction of the playground, such as a planting day or an art project.
The following three pictures, courtesy of the Glasshouse Country News, were taken during a community planting day held in February 2006 at Pioneer Park — the state's first all abilities playground initiated by the Queensland Government. The planting day saw families, and former DSQ and council staff come together, symbolising the community spirit which played a leading role in the project's success.
Photos supplied by Glasshouse Country News 13 February 2006
Last reviewed: 14 August 2009