The purpose of PlayCore’s comprehensive inclusive play programs and unique design philosophy is to provide high-quality outdoor play experiences for people of all ages and abilities that develop the whole child, address the whole environment, and ultimately, benefit the whole community.
PlayCore is proud of our national partnership with leading experts at Utah State University’s Center for Persons with Disabilities and Lekotek, which has led to championing thousands of inclusive play initiatives across the world.
Our evidence-based design and programming considerations innovate outdoor environments where both physical and social inclusion can occur. The design guidebook, Me2: 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design®, is a one-of-a-kind resource to help communities move beyond minimum accessibility guidelines to intentionally increase usability-creating destinations that are more usable, by more people, to the greatest extent possible. These principles are the only evidence-based guidelines that are tailored specifically to address childhood experiences in outdoor play environments.
2 Play Together®: Fostering Friendships Through Inclusive Play provides programmers with strategies, tips, and playground activities to create awareness, break down barriers, and foster friendships through inclusive play experiences. Inclusive play is our passion and purpose. Together we can put research into action and advocate for inclusive, multigenerational play destinations across our nation.
Best Practice Implementation:
• Address local priorities, create awareness, and enlist community partners that share your mission and goals.
• Provide a developmentally robust and balanced assortment of playground activities that meet the diverse physical, social-emotional, sensory, cognitive, and communicative needs of all children, including those with disabilities.
• Apply the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design® to the overall environmental design.
• Offer programming, activities, special events, or other initiatives to further promote meaningful inclusion and impact community outcomes.
Learn more about our National Demonstration Site Network here or see if there is a site near you!.
