What is an Inclusive Playground? Top 10 Inclusive Playgrounds Everyone Can Enjoy!

Recently, terms like "inclusive society" and "universal design" are frequently heard. These terms refer to a society and environment where everyone can live comfortably, regardless of whether they have a disability or not.

The growing attention to these words is due to the increasing movement to eliminate barriers in our social and living environments.

For more detailed information on inclusive design, please refer to the following article.

Reference:

This time, we will introduce "inclusive parks," which incorporate the same concept. We will explain what an inclusive park is and recommend playground equipment and parks. These can be useful not only for wheelchair users but also for stroller users and as play areas for small children.

1. What is an Inclusive Park?

An inclusive park is a park designed for "everyone to enjoy playing, regardless of disability, age, gender, or nationality".

Inclusive parks are often misunderstood as parks with playground equipment for children with disabilities. However, they are parks that everyone can use, regardless of disability or whether they are children or adults.

There are five key elements that should be valued in an inclusive park.

• Accessibility

• Choice

Providing a place where everyone can find what they like. This includes installing play areas with various levels of difficulty, such as sensory play and social play, in addition to physical play.

• Inclusion

Creating an environment where mutual understanding is deepened, and everyone can participate in play equally. This involves designing spaces where children with diverse backgrounds and developmental stages can easily communicate and play side by side.

Additionally, creating an environment where disabilities are not emphasized or viewed as special to build equal and respectful relationships.

• Safety and Security

Ensuring that everyone can play safely and freely.

Creating parks that meet the needs of users by conducting hearings from the planning and design stages. Also, providing environments that match children's development while removing dangers.

Creating an environment where not only children but also adults with diverse backgrounds can easily supervise.

• Fun

Creating an environment where everyone using the park can expand their world and enjoy high-value play.

Designing not only for functionality but also for visual and playful enjoyment. Providing play areas with flexibility that allows each child to play freely, not just in predetermined ways.

In the United States, many inclusive parks were established following the enactment of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) in 1990.

In contrast, Japan began developing inclusive parks about 30 years later, starting in 2018.

In the next section, we will introduce playground equipment found in inclusive parks and recommend parks.

Also, please refer to our article on universal beaches, which are play areas where everyone can enjoy safely and comfortably.

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2. What Kind of Playground Equipment is in Inclusive Parks?

2-1. Play Builder

This is playground equipment that can be enjoyed through visual, auditory, and tactile senses. Visually, you can enjoy illustrations on the equipment; auditorily, you can enjoy sound-making features attached to the equipment; and tactilely, you can move balls with your hands.

Some parks have play builders with ramps, allowing play while remaining in a wheelchair.

Reference: Introduction to Inclusive Playground Equipment｜Toshima Ward

2-2. Fountain Deck

This is a wooden deck-style water play area. It is flat, allowing enjoyment while remaining in a wheelchair. The height of the fountain changes over time, making it enjoyable just to watch.

Reference: Introduction to Inclusive Playground Equipment｜Toshima Ward

2-3. Swing with Harness

A swing with a harness that can be used by those who cannot maintain a seated position. The harness securely holds the upper body, allowing those who cannot brace with their feet to play safely.

Reference: Parks with Inclusive Playground Equipment｜Mie Prefecture

2-4. Sandbox Table

The sandbox table is a table-shaped sandbox. It is also known as a sandboard table. Since it is table-shaped, there is no need to crouch like in a traditional sandbox, allowing play while remaining in a wheelchair.

Reference: Introduction to Inclusive Playground Equipment｜Toshima Ward

3. Top 10 Recommended Inclusive Parks for Children with Disabilities or Illnesses

3-1. Toshima Kids Park (Toshima Ward, Tokyo)

Toshima Kids Park is located right next to Sunshine City. Built on the former site of the Mint Bureau, it is the first inclusive park in Toshima Ward.

Famous industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, known among railway enthusiasts, was responsible for the design. In the center of the park, a mini steam locomotive "IKEDEN" is prominently displayed.

There is a sandbox table that can be enjoyed while in a wheelchair, and a rest area accessible with a wheelchair. The rest area has curtains, providing a comfortable space for those sensitive to heat or surrounding noise by closing the curtains.

Additionally, a unisex "Ike Kids Toilet," a universal toilet, is available in the park, usable by adult wheelchair users as well.

The park has relatively few steps, making it easy for wheelchair and stroller users to move around.

Note that web reservation is required for admission. Admission is aimed at children up to lower elementary school and children with disabilities, and a guardian must accompany them.

Same-day reservations are possible only if there are vacancies on weekdays, but it is recommended to make reservations in advance. Also, note that the park operates on a one-hour shift system. Please check the Toshima Kids Park reservation site for details.

Reference: A Red Mini Train Runs! Toshima Kids Park (Toshima Ward) is an Inclusive Park Where Various Children Can Enjoy Together｜Rurubu Kids

3-2. National Showa Memorial Park "Wanpaku Yugu" (Tachikawa City, Tokyo)

The "Wanpaku Yugu" area is located within the vast 180-hectare National Showa Memorial Park. It incorporates universal design and serves as an inclusive park.

The area around the playground equipment is rubber-paved, ensuring safety even if you fall. The large play builder in the center features wide ramps, allowing wheelchair users to play without difficulty.

On the opposite side of the play builder, there is a boat that sways gently, which can be boarded while in a wheelchair. The gentle sway ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

The "Fuwa Fuwa Dome," a trampoline exclusively for children under elementary school age, has a stable design with a vertically rising edge, making it easy for children in wheelchairs to transfer onto it.

The "Yura Yura Swing" has a backrest, allowing children with weak body support to ride safely. The "Hara South Shop" near Wanpaku Yugu offers safety belts to prevent slipping, so feel free to use them.

Since the National Showa Memorial Park is vast, the entrance you use is crucial. For easy access to Wanpaku Yugu, enter through the Nishi Tachikawa Gate.

Reference: Wanpaku Yugu｜National Showa Memorial Park

3-3. ​​Shinden Sakura Park (Adachi Ward, Tokyo)

Shinden Sakura Park, with more than half of its vast area covered in grass, faces the Sumida River waterfront. The park is equipped with various playground equipment said to enhance physical abilities.

Shinden Sakura Park also features inclusive playground equipment. There is a monkey bar and play builder accessible while in a wheelchair. Additionally, a slope is installed next to the rose garden, allowing enjoyment of the blooming seasons in May and October.

Reference: Shinden Sakura Park｜Adachi Ward, Tokyo

3-4. Shinjuku Central Park "Chibikko Plaza" (Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo)

Shinjuku Central Park "Chibikko Plaza" gained attention with the introduction of new inclusive playground equipment during its 2022 renovation.

In particular, many inclusive playground equipment were introduced in the west area.

An Omni Spinner, a rotating playground equipment that children with disabilities can ride and play on, has been installed.

Additionally, the Pilot Seat Swing allows anyone to enjoy swinging safely by attaching a safety bar to the seat.

The panel playground equipment can be played with while seated in a wheelchair, allowing enjoyment by moving or spinning the panels!

Reference: Shinjuku Central Park｜Shinjuku Ward

3-5. Akibadai Park (Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture)

Akibadai Park, the first in Kanagawa Prefecture to introduce inclusive playground equipment, features four inclusive playground equipment.

The first is a play builder that can be enjoyed while in a wheelchair. It includes various features like challenging paths and cool-down points.

The second is a rotating playground equipment that allows transfer from a wheelchair. It has varying heights, with the high part being a high-back seat for stable seating for children with weak body support.

The third is a swing with a large bucket seat that supports the body. The harness securely fixes the body, allowing children with weak body support to ride safely.

The fourth is a swing-type equipment that can accommodate multiple people. It has a ramp, allowing play while in a wheelchair, and wheelchair users can also take on the role of swinging it.

Reference: Akibadai Park (Lawn Plaza & Komorebi Plaza)｜Fujisawa City

3-6. Koshiba Natural Park (Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)

In 2023, Koshiba Natural Park became the first in the Yokohama area to introduce inclusive playground equipment.

The large composite playground equipment with a ramp structure allows several children to play safely with minimal blind spots.

The colorful slide features constellations hidden on the bottom and braille, offering enjoyment through both visual and tactile senses.

Additionally, there is a roller maraca that makes a rattling sound when turned, allowing small children to enjoy making sounds.

Furthermore, the drum-shaped conga combo produces sound like a drum, providing an opportunity for parents and children to play together.

Reference: Koshiba Natural Park｜Yokohama City

3-7. Hiratsuka City General Park "Everyone's Plaza" (Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture)

In 2023, the "Everyone's Plaza" in Hiratsuka City General Park underwent the development of an inclusive playground area as part of the city's 90th-anniversary project.

The following playground equipment and more have been installed, making it a park where anyone can play easily.

• Composite playground equipment
• Rotating playground equipment
• Swings
• Swing equipment
• Terrain play
• Sandbox
• Mini house and musical playground equipment

The composite playground equipment is a symbolic presence.

It features ramps accessible by wheelchairs and small children, and the three slides allow companions to support from the side.

Additionally, the surrounding area is rubber chip-paved to minimize injury from falls.

The rotating playground equipment is easy to board from a wheelchair and allows for play involving swaying and spinning!

Regarding swings, there are three types available, allowing selection based on disability level, age, and physique.

• Bucket type: Suitable for small children
• Harness type: Allows play with body fixation
• Disc type: Allows children with weak body support to lie down and ride

The abundance of musical playground equipment and other equipment for parent-child play is a significant attraction of Everyone's Plaza.

Reference: General Park｜Hiratsuka City

3-8. Kinuta Park (Setagaya Ward, Tokyo)

In March 2020, "Everyone's Plaza" in Kinuta Park became Japan's first inclusive park. The development was initiated in 2018 after Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly member Airi Ryuzen, a mother of a child with Down syndrome, advocated for the necessity of inclusive parks.

"Everyone's Plaza" features nine inclusive playground equipment.

Here are two of them.

• Rotating Playground Equipment "Guruguru Mountain"

This equipment allows everyone to ride and spin together or be spun by others. The large recess allows children with weak body support to sit back and enjoy safely.

• Spring Seesaw

A wide-seated seesaw that allows two people to sit side by side. Children with weak body support can enjoy it with the help of a caregiver.

Reference: Kinuta Park｜Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association

3-9. Sennan Rinku Park "SENNAN LONG PARK" (Sennan City, Osaka Prefecture)

SENNAN LONG PARK is the largest recreation facility in Kansai, offering sports, food, and leisure experiences.

The earth-colored play builder features various difficulty levels of nets, ropes, and tunnels throughout the equipment, allowing for diverse movement experiences. There are many play features within reach from the ground, allowing interaction while in a wheelchair.

Additionally, the play area is located close to the parking lot, making it easily accessible for users. The community area pathways are wide enough for wheelchair access.

Reference: Sennan Rinku Park｜Daiwa Lease Co., Ltd.

3-10. Rinku Park (Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture)

In October 2022, Rinku Park introduced new inclusive playground equipment.

A newly installed ramp allows wheelchair access, broadening the enjoyment for a wider audience.

Additionally, there are panel playground equipment that can be enjoyed through visual, auditory, and tactile senses, allowing play at one's own pace.

Furthermore, there is a wide slide that allows for group sliding, enabling everyone to enjoy together.

Handrails are installed throughout, ensuring pathways that make it easy to assist children.

Reference: Rinku Park｜Osaka Prefectural Park Association

4. Conclusion

This article introduced what inclusive parks are, the types of playground equipment they have, and recommended inclusive parks.

If you have children in wheelchairs or children who cannot yet walk independently, and you struggle to find outdoor play areas, please consider visiting the parks introduced in this article.

Not only will you find play, but you may also encounter new experiences and discoveries.