"Inside the Playspace" Playground Blog

My family just got back from a long weekend in Manitoulin Island, in Ontario, Canada.

There were no amusement parks, no rollercoasters, no flashing billboards, no flashy marketing.

We fished, we hiked, we jumped off piers into water, we swam, we enjoyed the beach, and had a great time. Non of us, including the kids felt that we missed out on any activities amusement park style activities.

We had just as much fun, and it didnt cost us a fortune.

A memorable vacation indeed.

Many clients come to us, and say ‘We would like an accessible playground‘. However, quite often the client is unsure of what specific components should be used to cater to the different users with different abilities.

There are multiple grants out there for groups wanting support in putting in an accessible playground, but here are a few things to look for, so that your accessible playground equipment is properly designed so the appropriate users get the most benefit from it.

1. Accessible Ramps.
For full wheelchair accessibility, ramps should be used (at a 1:12 slope). This allows a user in a wheelchair mobility device to enjoy the thrill of being up high on a playground, rather than just confined to the lower parts. Every child deserves the right to feel like they are elevated.

2. Transfer Stations.
Transfer stations are designed for users accessing the playground in a walker mobility device. Many people assume that a transfer station also assists a user in a wheelchair mobility device to access the play structure. This is not totally correct, and if you have ever tried it, you will find it quite difficult and frustrating.

3. Ground Level, Inclusive Components.
A complete playspace can be designed to include accessible components on the ground level, and scattered around the playspace. These components can be specifically designed for children of specific abilities, or they can be designed with inclusivity – where children, regardless of abilities can all play together, side by side.

4. Surfacing Choices
When creating an accessible, or inclusive playspace, be sure to choose the appropriate surfacing solution. Users in wheelchair mobility devices may have a difficult time accessing the different components on wood fiber surfaces. Sand, and pea stone surfaces are virtually impossible to navigate with walker mobility devices. Using a monolithic surface, like SofSurfaces engineered tiles, is a perfect solution.

For assistance in creating an appropriately designed playspace for the right users, visit, and contact us at Active Playground Equipment.

Donor Recognition Program

A great way to increase and encourage donations for your new playground equipment is to set up a program where the donor would become a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Donator. Donators would then be listed alphabetically under the category in which they donated. This would apply to all donations received, whether it is from a personal, business or a community organization.

You could also just simply list the donors alphabetically on an appreciation plaque.

Suggested Recognition Program

Bronze: Donations of $20 – $149

Silver: Donations of $150 – $499

Gold: Donations of $500 – $999

Platinum: Donations over $1000

You can obtain a plaque cost from a local engraver. Be sure to include the plaque price in your budget. An indoor plaque would cost approximately $150.00 depending on the amount of engraving required.

Active Playground Equipment

Advising Your School Community of the Playground Plans

Once your plans are chosen be sure to advise the school families that a 3D image is available for all to see on the school bulletin board. Be sure to keep the school families updated on fundraising events through your school newsletter or a separate flyer.

Continue to invite everyone to support and participate in this project.

The committee can appeal to all who may be interested in donating in any way, whether personally, or through a business. Always be sure to mention that donators will receive a tax receipt for income tax purposes. You may find that some of the families will have great connections to help you raise the money – whether through business contacts or family members.

Including a donor recognition program can increase your donations.

Some donor recognition suggestions will follow in the next post.