Universally Accessible Playgrounds

In 2006, the Michigan Department of Transportation, Travel Michigan, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation built universally accessible indoor and outdoor play areas at welcome centers in New Buffalo and Monroe. Amenities included accessible walkways, picnic tables, and landscaping.

Accessible playgrounds are designed to ensure that children of all abilities can play and interact together. They incorporate a variety of features that make the playground accessible, enjoyable, and safe for children with disabilities. Here are some of the key features of accessible playgrounds:

1. Ramped Play Equipment: Accessible playgrounds often include play equipment with ramps so that children who use mobility devices like wheelchairs can access them.
2. Smooth, Firm Surfacing: They are usually equipped with smooth, firm surfaces, such as rubber mats or tiles, engineered wood fiber, or other materials that can accommodate wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers.
3. Wide Paths and Platforms: Paths and platforms are wide enough for wheelchair users to navigate and turn around comfortably.
4. Accessible Swing Seats: Accessible swing sets with high back seats, harnesses, or platforms can be used by children with various disabilities.
5. Ground-Level Play Features: Features like musical instruments, panels with interactive games, or sand tables at wheelchair height allow for ground-level play.
6. Sensory Play Elements: To be inclusive for children with visual impairments, sensory impairments, or autism spectrum disorders, accessible playgrounds often incorporate elements that engage a variety of senses. These could include tactile surfaces, sound-producing equipment, and visually vibrant elements.
7. Fencing and Gates: Fencing and secure gates can help ensure that children, especially those who may tend to wander due to cognitive or developmental disabilities, can play safely.
8. Quiet Zones: Some accessible playgrounds include quiet zones where children who might be overwhelmed by noise and activity can retreat and relax.
9. Signage and Wayfinding: Clear, easy-to-read signage, possibly with braille or tactile elements, helps all users navigate the playground.
10. Transfer Platforms: These features allow children to transfer from a wheelchair to a play structure by themselves or with assistance.
11. Seating Areas: Adequate seating, including accessible picnic tables and benches, allows caregivers to remain close to their children. It's also important for children who may need frequent rest breaks.
12. Shade Structures: These can provide a cooler, sun-protected area for play and rest, important for all children but especially for some children with disabilities who may be more susceptible to heat.

Accessible playgrounds are designed in accordance with guidelines such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S., ensuring that children of all abilities have the opportunity to play, learn, and grow together.