What Makes a Playground Truly Inclusive?
At its heart, a truly inclusive playground welcomes every child—regardless of ability—to play, learn, and grow together. It’s more than meeting ADA standards. It’s about designing joyful spaces where children of all abilities feel a sense of belonging and freedom. At Struthers Recreation, we believe that play should be barrier-free, and we’re proud to bring inclusive playground design to communities across Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle through our partnership with GameTime.
Inclusive Design Goes Beyond Accessibility
An inclusive playground doesn't just make accommodations—it invites every child to fully participate. While accessible paths, ramps, and surfacing are foundational, inclusion means creating meaningful play experiences at every level of ability.
That includes:
Ground-level play components for easy entry.
Wide ramps that allow access to elevated play features.
Transfer stations for children who use mobility devices.
Sensory-rich activities, like musical panels, tactile elements, and visual games.
Quiet zones for children who may be overwhelmed by too much stimulation.
Swings and spinners that provide vestibular input and accommodate different body types and postures, like GameTime’s Saucer Swing.
Why Inclusive Play Matters
Inclusive play promotes more than physical activity. It encourages social-emotional learning, cooperation, and empathy. When children with and without disabilities play side by side, they develop shared experiences and lifelong understanding of each other’s differences—and similarities.
Parents and caregivers also benefit. When a playground is inclusive, families with children of all abilities can play together without worry or separation. The whole community gains a safe, engaging space that encourages active lifestyles and social connection.
GameTime: A Leader in Inclusive Innovation
As a longtime representative of GameTime, Struthers Recreation brings industry-leading inclusive design to communities of all sizes. GameTime’s "Play Has No Limit®" approach ensures that their equipment meets the physical, cognitive, social, and sensory needs of all children. Their designs go through extensive research and testing to maximize usability and fun for a broad range of abilities.
A great example is the Saucer Swing, a popular piece seen in many of our recent installations. Its spacious design and supportive shape allow children with mobility differences to experience the joy of swinging alongside their peers.
Local Success: Inclusion in Action
One of our recent projects in Pelham, Alabama features a fully inclusive GameTime play system complete with sensory panels, wide ramps, and a zero-barrier layout. It’s become a vibrant hub for the entire neighborhood—where every child can play without limits.
Ready to Build a More Inclusive Community?
Inclusive playgrounds aren’t just good for kids with disabilities—they make play better for everyone. If your city, school, or organization is ready to take the next step, we’d love to help you design a space that reflects your community’s values.
Contact Struthers Recreation today to start building a playground where every child belongs.
