Inclusive Playground Design Reviews & Due Diligence Audits

Equal Access, Disability Access Consultants, conducts Playground Inclusive Design Reviews and Due Diligence Audits for local governments, developers and design teams who require an independent professional review of an existing or proposed play space. We assess the site against three simple questions that must be answered for a play space to be inclusive: Can I get there? Can I play? Can I stay?

Our understanding of accessibility requirements, universal design principles and nature play philosophy enables us to provide thoughtful, usable design recommendations that are compliant and accessible to children, their families, carers and people with disability. Our review process typically begins with an off-site review of plans and related documentation, and, where possible, is followed by an onsite visit during which we speak to end users and others involved, as necessary.

We assess whether users can easily follow an accessible path of travel from all arrival points to all play elements, whether the selected surfacing is suitable, and the gradients and crossfall. We also assess access to elevated components for access by ramp and how play can be supervised in relation to the areas. We look at the sensory and cognitive accessibility of the space for children with learning difficulties, focusing on the clarity and effectiveness of signage and wayfinding, the acoustic environment, the provision of tactile, and interactive play space features, and the provision of quiet spaces for children who may find play areas overwhelming. The resulting audit report includes detailed photographs, a list of identified non-compliances or areas where best practice should be applied for the usability of all users, each identified with relevant risk, and a prioritised set of actions with cost bands and detailed specification notes to enable upgrades where required.

We review and evaluate design elements such as continuous accessible paths of travel, connections to public transportation and car parking, surfaces and compliance with Australian Standards AS 1428.1 and AS 1428.4.1 for accessible use by mobility devices. We assess ramps and transfer stations to elevated play levels, comparable amounts of ground-level play components, spread throughout the playground, inclusive seating, shade and amenities. We also review the design of fencing, sight lines and safety use zones. Additionally, we review sound, tactile, water and sand play components, as well as directional playground signage and wayfinding that support people with disability in using the play space independently. Finally, we review design elements for routine and periodic maintenance access, the risk of needing to obtain replacement parts and the overall durability of the designed elements.

Our reports provide a clear, concise, practical and balanced assessment that highlight areas of non-compliance and set out recommendations to enhance play, value and community outcomes due to our experience in interpreting national and international play safety guidance.  Contact us to discuss your project – we can prepare a tailored fee proposal and timeline for you.