You’ve likely got a park in your neighborhood that serves as a gathering place for family and friends to get sunshine and exercise. But parks have changed a lot over the years. There has been a rising need for inclusive park architecture so individuals of all kinds can enjoy and embrace the environment. Here are some of the things you should know about inclusive park design.
The Importance of Inclusive Design in Park Architecture
There are seven principles for inclusive park design:
- Equitable Use – This includes making design available to all users and providing spaces that are private, secure, and safe.
- Flexibility in Use – The design accommodates low- and high-risk takers.
- Simple and Intuitive Use – The design should be easy to understand regardless of the user’s experience.
- Perceptible Information – The design communicates information in a way that’s impossible to misunderstand, regardless of a person’s sensory abilities.
- Tolerance For Error – The design minimizes hazardous consequences if it’s used incorrectly.
- Low Physical Effort – The design can be used with minimal effort.
- Size and Space for Approach and Use – The design will accommodate any user’s mobility regardless of their physical condition.
Nearly one in four adults have a disability, and almost one in five children have one as well. Designing a park that doesn’t include these segments leaves out a sizable portion of the population.
One obvious benefit of inclusive park design is that individuals with disabilities can engage with the park as others might. Playgrounds for all ages and abilities create a level playing field where people of all conditions can gather, connect, and have fun. This could include playgrounds that use foam instead of woodchips or sand, sensory toys, and hiding places that allow for a calm retreat.
Designing Playgrounds for Multi-Generational Use
Multi-generational park design is important for bringing large families together—there should be an appeal to energetic children and older relatives who would prefer a calmer environment. This can be achieved by marrying passive and active park design.
Passive park design includes more leisurely areas. These parks are usually 20-25 acres, but elements can be used in smaller parks. These would include walking trails, benches, gardens, bridges, and other areas for casual enjoyment.
In contrast, active parks include areas like playgrounds, skateparks, soccer fields, and more. These elements are meant to be actively engaged with and can turn into a considerable workout for some visitors.
Joining elements from these park designs can create an environment where children and adults can thrive.
Integrating Nature and Accessibility in Park Landscape Architecture
It’s the landscape architect’s responsibility to integrate natural elements and accessibility into a cohesive park design. According to a town or municipality’s laws, there may be requirements for handrails, low curbs, and other specific safety elements. However, making a park truly accessible goes beyond that.
Park landscape architecture should include integrating an area’s natural resources while creating spots for play and rejuvenation. This means implementing trees, flowers, and shrubs that thrive in the natural environment while utilizing designated playground areas and walking paths.
Landscape architects will also calculate the resource load for these areas. This includes how often the area needs to be watered and how much water it would use, how often plants and trees need to be tended to, and how artificial elements might affect the park’s natural elements.
Trust Think Architecture for Your Next Project
Think Architecture is proud to be a landscape architecture firm that pushes the boundaries of approachable park design. Our team of experts is certified in creating spaces that are highly sustainable and foster connection. If you’re looking for inclusive park design or other architectural design services, contact our team and let us assemble a plan for you. We’d love to make your vision a reality.