<%@LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> About this Playground

The Albemarle Playground Project

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The Playground Project

Because Play Shouldn’t Be Hard Work!

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THIS PLAYGROUND?

The Playground Project set out to build a universally accessible playground that looks like any other playground. You have to look closely to see many of the features that make our playground special. Among them are:

Photos courtesy of
PlayWorld Systems

-- A color-scheme that maximizes access for children who are visually impaired or who have problems with depth perception and discrimination.

-- Transfer stations on both the tot and older children structures to facilitate use by children with limited lower limb mobility. Stations are located close to the bottom of the slides on both structures, so children are never too far from their mobility aids.

-- Metal components. Since the static fields generated by plastic components can cause problems for children who have cochlear implants, as well as for children who are autistic, we have metal slides and crawl tubes. All metal components are sited to minimize heat absorption from the sun. A double "side by side" slide in the tot lot allows an adult to accompany a child down the slide while encouraging independence

.-- A ground level Fun Street in the tot lot, which encourages interactive pretend play for children who are socially delayed or visually limited. Fun Street is also accessible by wheelchair, and provides support for children with balance or walking problems.

-- A ground level castle in the older children's area provides possibilities for interactive play as well as a "get-away" space for children who are easily overwhelmed. While giving the impression of being closed-in, the castle is easily accessible to adults.

-- A Challenge Walk curved balance beam with tilting action that develops body awareness and balance.

-- A hand-over-hand ladder at wheelchair height to help develop upper body strength.

-- An arcade-style metal ratchet panel, accessible to all kids at wheelchair height.

-- A wide variety of accessible climbers to accommodate differing abilities, yet encourage children to self-challenge my trying a more difficult climber.

-- Two "Bobs": Interactive talking playground buddies that can be used by children with extremely limited mobility. The Bobs are popular with all children, encouraging children of differing abilities to interact.

--Accessible swing seats that provide security and support, yet enable children to swing in close proximity to their able-bodied friends.

-- The Flip-Flop, an accessible teeter-totter that is balanced and pivots to prevent sudden drops.

-- Shock absorbent surfacing that does not restrict mobility.

In addition, the entire playground has been designed to make it easy for adults who have mobility or visual limitations to supervise and play with their children.

 
©2002-6 Playground Project at Albemarle