Every child deserves to play. It is what we are meant to do when we are kids, we are meant to play, learn, and grow together. That is why here at Rocky Mountain Recreations and Landscape Structures, it is so important for us to be the leader in creating play destinations that allow kids of all abilities to play together. Accessibility is one thing, but just getting a kid to the playground is not enough. Nor is it enough for the kids who have sensory deficits and developmental issues. That is why we must ensure inclusiveness. At Landscape Structures, their design team follows 7 Principles of Universal Design. Equitable Use, Flexibility in Use, Simple and Intuitive Use, Perceptible Information, Tolerance for Error, Low Physical Effort, Size and Space for Approach and Use. Universal Design is the back bone to creating the most inclusive playground. When approaching a playground with an inclusive mindset, three things arise, and they are environment, play experience, and variability. Environment is one of them because creating a space that is warming, inviting, safe and accessible is just as important as the play equipment the kids will be playing on. Next is the play experience. A well put together playground can help kids develop physical, cognitive, sensory and social skills. An inclusive playground design includes a balance of play experiences to build all these skills. Lastly, is variability. Variability allows the kids curiosity be tested by appropriate challenges. This way kids are building on the skills they already possess to help them gain new skills along the way. Every kid deserves to play together, and every parent deserves to watch their kids be happy playing with their friends because at the end of the day, play is everything.
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