We love exploring new-to-us playgrounds and seeing what exciting play equipment they might have, but when you have a child with sensory issues, it can be tough to know if the swings or spinning things are going to be too much or not. For some children, their physical disabilities limit the equipment they can use and that’s incredibly disheartening. Play is so important for children, and for children who have special needs, it can truly help them feel included and even help with the motor skills and strength.
Inclusive playgrounds provide environments where children of all abilities can play together. Swings that accommodate wheelchairs and ramps make equipment more accessible for all.
Landscape Structures is a playground equipment company that provides this type of play equipment and allows children to explore new sensory experiences, develop new physical skills and allows anyone to play equally. Even as an adult I want to join in and play, just look at some of the amazing play options at this sensory playground we visited!
Even with quality playground equipment, getting kids to share can still be challenging. Sharing is a fundamental social skill but can be hard for children to grasp in high-energy environments like playgrounds. Encouraging turn-taking and setting clear expectations may help alleviate conflicts. It can also be a great opportunity for teaching empathy and patience through cooperative play with others. Also, there are great books dedicated to teaching children to share and take turns.
We found this playground, and others in our area, by using the playground locator that Landscape Structures provides. There are inclusive, nature-inspired and community build playgrounds that you can find near you, so help me share this with all of your mom and dad friends! If you know someone who would enjoy more accessible playground equipment, let them know about Landscape Structures and inclusive playgrounds then plan a visit!
This spinner and the chair swing were the favorites of our visit. I absolutely love how they all wanted to take turns and push each other (hello physical activity!). Brenden, our oldest, has dealt with sensory issues and was never really a big fan of things that required him to lean back or be upside down, so seeing him enjoy himself and play with his brother and sister warms my heart. When he was younger, these playgrounds would have been so amazing for him. We watched him struggle with things like the ladders and stairs because of low muscle tone when he was little and it made me so aware of what he could and couldn’t enjoy. No parent should take their child to a playground and feel defeated or like they aren’t providing a fun time, every playground should be accessible and fun for all.
If you are in the Dayton, Ohio area and want to visit this playground, you can find it at the Miracle League baseball field in Springboro, Ohio. The address is 1605 Main Street Springboro, Ohio.
