The Importance of Inclusive Playgrounds

The first fully inclusive playground in the Antelope Valley in Los Angeles County features full, accessible rubber surfacing and activities accessible to children of all abilities.

1 minute read

June 27, 2022, 7:00 AM PDT

By Clement Lau


Not all parks are the same and not all playgrounds are accessible to all. Fortunately, a growing number of park and recreation agencies are creating more inclusive parks and playgrounds. Most recently, the city of Palmdale dedicated and opened Courtney’s Playground at Marie Kerr Park. The 1,834-square-foot playground and 574-square-foot music area were designed with the assistance of Greg and Joanne Triana, who approached the city about two years ago about doing something to honor their late daughter, Courtney Ann Triana. A dedication sign on the playground features images of butterflies and a bird and photos of Courtney.

The playground offers the following amenities:

  • Full, Accessible Rubber Surfacing. Resilient, unitary surfacing flush to the surrounding grade provides accessible routes of travel throughout every area of the play space.
  • Ramped Structure. Ramps increase usability for people of all ages and abilities and allow individuals utilizing mobility device physical access to meaningful play.
  • Rock N Raft. This unique play feature ensures individuals using mobility devices can enjoy a sensory-rich rocking experience with family and friends.
  • Inclusive Whirl. Universally designed with zero-entry to support cooperative and social play.
  • Musical instruments. Music offers developmentally appropriate opportunities for intergenerational users to express their creativity and contribute to the sounds of the environment.

To learn more about the playground, please read the source article and information on the city's website.

Friday, June 24, 2022 in The Antelope Valley Times

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