Whirlix Design Success Stories: Transforming Communities Through Inclusive Playgrounds

Introduction 

Picture the sheer delight on a child's face as they explore the wonders of a playground – an experience every child deserves! Yet, traditional playgrounds often overlook those who may be developing differently. Inclusive playgrounds are designed with every member of the community in mind, providing every child, regardless of ability, an equal opportunity to enjoy the fun of playing.  

But what makes an inclusive playground different than an average playground? 

Let's delve into the distinction. It’s important to understand that inclusivity and accessibility are not interchangeable concepts. As detailed in our “Defining Inclusiveness in Playground Design” blog, while all playgrounds must adhere to the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), these guidelines primarily address only physical impairments and mobility devices.  

While providing ramps and mobility device-accessible paths and equipment is an essential element of creating an inclusive playground, it is crucial to recognize that those elements address the needs of only a small fraction of people with disabilities. In the United States, there are 7.3 million children that have a disability. Of this population, 32% have a specific learning disability (such as dyslexia), 19% have speech or language impairments, 12% have autism spectrum disorder, and less than 1% have an orthopedic impairment. (NCES, May 2023)  

While addressing the needs of those children who do have orthopedic impairments is vital, creating truly inclusive playgrounds means considering the diverse needs of the entire community. The goal is to grant every child and visitor an equal opportunity to partake in the excitement of the playground. 

It’s important to remember, there are specific features that make playgrounds inclusive. For example, unitary surfacing, like poured-in-place rubber and turf, stands out as a key set of materials to enhance inclusivity. These surfaces facilitate easy maneuvering for users of mobility devices. Seamless transitions from the ground to equipment, strategically placed ramps, wheelchair-accessible equipment, and thoughtfully designed transfer points are paramount for crafting an inclusive haven for those with mobility devices. 

But it doesn’t stop there – inclusive playgrounds are also sensory–rich environments. Imagine outdoor musical instruments, tactile and interactive panels, and spinners inviting children into the realm of heightened sensory experiences. These kinds of considerations on playgrounds also boast freestanding enclosed spaces for kids who need a retreat from overstimulation, molded bucket seat swings ensuring stability for those with limited upper body strength, and ground-level play equipment adding an extra layer of accessibility and fun. These sensory play events are perfect for children with sensory disorders and sensitivities, such as autism or down-syndrome. But there are many more considerations that can be considered, like visual impairments. 

In the realm of inclusive playgrounds, the ordinary can be transformed into the extraordinary, creating spaces where joy knows no bounds, and every child’s unique abilities are celebrated. These features and considerations serve as illustrations of what defines an inclusive playground, yet what does a successful inclusive playground look like? Well, let’s see. 

Showcasing Our Inclusive Playgrounds 

Breckinridge Park: 3555 Brand Road, Richardson, Texas 75082 

Breckinridge Park stands out as one of the newest inclusive playgrounds we’ve constructed. This playground was installed within Richardson’s well-established signature sports complexes. After careful consideration, they determined that the most effective way to serve the entire community was by offering a large inclusive playground on the east side of the city. Richardson has consistently demonstrated their commitment to enriching the lives of their residents by offering exceptional park systems, all conveniently located within walking distance of residents. During this park's design phase, there was a focus on incorporating various self-directed inclusive elements. 

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Ernie Roberts Park: 515 E Pleasant Run Rd., DeSoto, Texas 75115 

In 2020, the City of DeSoto adopted a Parks, Recreation, and Open-Space and Trails Master Plan, which identified the need to replace, enhance, and expand the offerings of inclusive play within its playground system. As a result of this plan, Ernie Roberts Park, which is in a central location and was already a popular park, was selected to be the location of the new inclusive playground. This playground design replaced the outdated equipment and revitalized the space. During the design process, our designers were able to retrofit the existing shade and retain the original playground borders, enabling them to allocate more funds toward purchasing the new inclusive playground equipment. Inclusivity was the primary concept guiding the design of this space. 

This playground is considered “A Jewel for Residents and Visitors,” receiving a lot of love and joy from the community of DeSoto. The park now has over 500 reviews on Google with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Many reviews highlight how impactful having an inclusive space is in the community. What a great example of getting creative through retrofitting and strategic material use, bringing inclusive play to life! 

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Frank Kent’s Dream Park: 2001 University Dr., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 

 As discussed in our previous blog, “A Guide to Securing Inclusive Playground Funding and Resources”, this playground concept began with a woman named Rachael Churchill. While visiting family in Wisconsin, she visited “Possibility Playground,” an all-inclusive and fully accessible space, which she had never seen before. Immediately, she recognized that her community of Fort Worth, Texas, was lacking an inclusive play environment like the “Possibility Playground.” So, she returned home on a mission to create Fort Worth’s first inclusive playground that welcomes everyone with open arms.  

The community of Fort Worth has been overjoyed since this park was installed in 2018. With over 1,000 positive Google reviews averaging 4.7 stars, to say that this park was loved by the community would be an understatement. It is estimated that more than 2 million people annually visit this playground, and it is the most popular playground in Fort Worth.  

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Galaxy Park at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History caters to a diverse audience, welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities. With inclusivity in mind, they envisioned a playground that would reflect this ethos. This playground serves as the cornerstone of the museum’s efforts to ensure every current and future exhibit is interactive and accessible. The aim was to provide an immersive experience while allowing anyone interested to partake in the fun.  

During the design phase, emphasis was placed on maintaining cohesion with the museum’s overall theme, ensuring visitors felt as though the playground itself was an exhibit. So, the decision about the space theme was influenced by the proximity of the planetarium, and the play event would have to revolve around the same theme focus. Specifically, museum leadership requested a Cozy Dome^® to be a part of the Milky Way section as a ground-level activity. They were convinced that it closely resembled an asteroid and would seamlessly fit in— and they were indeed correct! 

Finally, to further enhance the immersive environment, a mural was hand-painted by three local artists on the walls surrounding the playscape, captivating the imagination of all visitors. 

The museum's outreach extends to people of all ages and abilities, accommodating various groups throughout the year, including those with sensory or physical needs. Museum staff have noted visitors' delight at being able to interact with and enjoy the entire playground. Those requiring accessibility features can fully engage in the immersive experience, actively participating rather than feeling sidelined.  

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Morgan’s Wonderland: 5223 David Edwards Dr., San Antonio, Texas 78233 

Morgan’s Wonderland, opened in 2010, and stands as the world’s first fully accessible theme park. Meticulously designed with special needs in mind, the entire theme park is fully wheelchair accessible, embodying a powerful place for those with any kind of impairment. This playground stands as a perfect example of what inclusive should look like.  

The community's response to Morgan’s Wonderland has been overwhelmingly positive over the years. The theme park has not only provided a recreational haven but has also become a focal point for fostering community integration. By offering an environment where all children can come together, the theme park has played a pivotal role in creating a nurturing space for play and additional activities. Despite being just one facet of the expansive theme park, this inclusive playground has significantly enriched visitors' experiences, contributing to the overall enjoyment of their day at Morgan’s Wonderland. 

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Noel Angel Alvarez Inclusive Playground: 333-451 N Race St., Everman, Texas 76140 

This simple, yet engaging inclusive playground, is dedicated to the memory of Noel Angel Alvarez, a beloved young boy with severe disabilities. Despite its modest array of freestanding equipment pieces, the playground stands as a testament to inclusivity and warmth for every child. For a comprehensive understanding of the power and profound story of this playground, we invite you to visit our blog “Unveiling Unity: The Noel Angel Alvarez Inclusive Playground Story”. 

The narrative surrounding Noel Alvarez has deeply touched the hearts of the community. This playground, conceived in the memory of Noel, serves as a symbol of resilience and hope for the Everman community. The emotional resonance of Noel’s story has fostered a collective spirit of support and true inclusion. Setting them on a path towards advocating for the well-being of children in their community who may be facing various disabilities or impairments – a mission that is undoubtable worth a substantial effort. 

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Rosedale School: 7505 Silvercrest Dr., Austin, Texas 78757 

The Rosedale School, situated within the Austin Independent School District, caters to students with severe special needs from across the district. The primary users of its playground are students with special needs, emphasizing the vital need for an inclusive environment.  

The community’s response to the inclusive playground at Rosedale School has been notably positive. The school promotes its accomplishment through social media channels, expressing pride in providing an accessible playground for its students. Beyond being a place for children to play, the space serves as a venue for hosting fundraising events that directly benefit both the students and the school.  

This inclusive playground initiative has proven to be a tremendous success, offering all children an equal opportunity to engage in play and fostering an environment of inclusivity within the school.  

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Conclusion 

Within our portfolio of successful inclusive designs, various features consistently contribute to their success. These encompass enclosed spaces, such as tunnels designed for overstimulated children to engage in individual play, sensory activities like tactile panels and roller tables, unitary surfacing, and wheelchair-accessible equipment. The incorporation of these elements on our playgrounds underscores their inclusivity.  

The core benefits that children derive from a visit to the playground should not be limited to those developing at a normal pace. Instead, all children should be actively encouraged and welcomed to partake in the distinctive childhood experience afforded by playing on playgrounds. 

Inclusive playground designs play a vital role in providing children the opportunity to engage in play, ensuring that these spaces cater to diverse needs and abilities. This commitment to inclusivity aligns with our broader objective of fostering an environment where every child can participate fully in the joys of childhood play.